The Nigerian Flamingoes showed total dominance, putting out an impressive display to beat New Zealand 4-1 in the Under 17 Women’s World Cup opening game in Santiago, the Dominican Republic.
How the Match Unfolded
Nigeria made a fast start to the fixture, scoring in the second minute. Shakirat Moshood scored the opener for the Flamingoes. Khadijat Adegoke doubled the lead after she smashed an effort that came following a rebound when the New Zealand keeper made a save from a previous effort.
Nigeria was in cruise control. Even at the hour mark, they scored, courtesy of a set piece from Shakirat Moshood reaching Faridat Abdulwahab, who struck it from outside the box to make it three.
The Flamingoes added a fourth a couple of minutes after the first with a header scored by Taiwo Afolabi following Khadijat Adegoke’s cross into the box.
New Zealand scored a consolation goal in the 60th minute, with Hannah Saxon converting a corner.
The match showed Nigeria’s dominance, as evidenced by their 32 shots to their opponents’ 3.
Lineups
New Zealand: Brooke Neary, Charli Dunn, Mikaela Bangalan, Emily Humphrey, Alyssha Eglinton, Hannah Saxon, Amber De Wit, Katie Pugh, Millee Loxton, Ela Jerez, Katie Chellenbron.
Nigeria: Christiana Uzoma, Khadijat Adegoke, Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Onyedikachi Ekezie, Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood, Taiwo Afolabi, Harmony Chidi, Aishat Animashaun, Peace Effiong.
🎦Highlights: How our Flamingos thrashed New Zealand 🇳🇿 in their @FIFAWWC opener on Wednesday
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 17, 2024
Courtesy: #FIFA+#U17WWC #SoarFlamingos pic.twitter.com/689i8KY8VR
What’s Next
Following the brilliant performance, Nigeria now tops Group A. She will play the host nation, the Dominican Republic, next Saturday. Meanwhile, New Zealand will tackle Ecuador as they seek to record their first points on the board.
Taiwo Afolabi was named “Player of the Match” for her outstanding performance, bossing the midfield and scoring the fourth goal.
Nigeria’s head coach, Bankole Olowookere, praised the team’s attacking philosophy and called for continued support from Nigerians.
This victory marks Nigeria’s second consecutive win over New Zealand in the U-17 Women’s World Cup. In the 2022 edition in India, Nigeria similarly crushed them 4-0.
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