NIGERIA’S ’ Flamingos qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2024 FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Ecuador last night in the Dominican Republic.
It is the second consecutive win for the Flamingos, who beat New Zealand 4-1 in their opening Group A fixture on Wednesday night.
Against Ecuador, Shakirat Moshood struck twice, with Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong netting the other goals.
Moshood, who scored one of the tournament’s fastest goals with her 80-second strike against New Zealand on Wednesday, netted the first goal again on Saturday, sending the Ecuador goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, after captain Taiwo Afolabi was fouled in the box.
Effiong forced Rodriguez into two big saves and Chidi, who scored 13 goals in the qualifying series, hit the crossbar as the Flamingos continued to pile pressure on Ecuador in the first half.
Chidi finally netted her first goal of the tournament nine minutes into the second half, slotting home after a pass from Aishat Animashaun.
Effiong also scored her first goal of the competition in the 66th minute, latching on to a faulty clearance of a backpass by substitute goalkeeper Pozo.
Nigeria got their fourth goal in added time, as Moshood picked her spot to score her third goal of the tournament after Chidi found her from the right.
The Flamingos will take on hosts Dominican Republic on Tuesday night.
