U17 WWC: Flamingos brush aside New Zealand in five-goal thriller

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Nigeria’s Flamingos kick-started their 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup (WWC) campaign by comprehensively defeating New Zealand 4-1 on Wednesday.

Shakirat Moshood opened scoring in the second minute when her well-taken shot beat the New Zealand goalkeeper Brook Neary. Not long after that, Faridat Abdulwahab strike from range hit the post as Nigeria continued to threaten.

Few minutes later,  Flamingos extended their lead when Neary failed to deal with Taiwo Adegoke’s long-range strike. In the 17th minute, Moshood’s deflected effort forced the opposition goalkeeper into an important save.

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Nigeria’s number 9 Harmony Chidi came close to scoring after rounding the goalkeeper and dribbling a defender but the goalie quickly reacted to deny the fearsome striker.

Nigeria finally grabbed a third goal when Abdulwahab scored a fantastic shot from just outside the area two minutes before the half hour mark.

Chidi, top scorer for Nigeria during the African qualifiers with 12 goals, was denied a goal by some spirited defending after she was put through on goal by captain Taiwo Afolabi.

In the 42nd minute, Chidi was at it again. Her shot hit the post after being set up by Afolabi, although the assistant referee ruled her offside. In another attempt to add to the goals, Peace Effiong’s left-footed shot sailed into the side netting as the Flamingos continued to dominate.

The second half saw the New Zealanders more compact as they tried as much as possible to stifle the Nigerian attack.

Massive victory for Nigeria

However, the Flamingos finally added to their tally in the 55th minute. Afolabi met a delightful cross sending a powerful header that beat the goalkeeper into the net.

On the hour mark, Hannah Saxon pulled one back for the Ferns, reducing he deficit. On the other end, Chidi came close to netting twice but failed to bury the ball in the back of the net.

Nigeria continued to push forward, seeking to add more goals. However, their advances were curtailed at atimes, while at other times, they were just unlucky or profligate.

Late in the game, coach Bankole Olowookere sent on Ramatalahi Kareem and Muinat Rotimi for Harmony Chidi and Faridat Abdulwahab respectively as Nigeria saw out the game.

Deservedly, Flamingos skipper Taiwo Afolabi was awarded the Player of the Match award.

In the other group A match, Ecuador defeated hosts Dominican Republic 2-0. Nigeria will face Ecuador in their next group game on Saturday, 19 October (21:00 GMT+1/WAT). A win for the Flamingos will see them qualify for the next round of the 2024 FIFA U17 WWC.

Tags: Flamingos, New Zealand, #SoarFlamingos, #NZLNGA, #2024U17WWC, #U17WWC, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcsports, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcnews, Taiwo Adegoke, Taiwo Afolabi, Bankole Olowookere, Shakirat Moshood, Faridat Abdulwahab, Ramatalahi Kareem, Muinat Rotimi, Peace Effiong, Harmony Chidi, Hannah Saxon, Brook Neary, Dominican Republic, Ecuador.