THE Flamingos of Nigeria squeezed past hosts Dominican Republic 1-0 in the early of todau to finish as Group A winners at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Shakirat Moshood struck ftom distance in the 89th minute to earn Nigeria all three points as they set up a quarter-final clash with the United States of America, scheduled for Saturday.
Playing for the first time in Santo Domingo, the Flamingos found the going tough under driving rain against a determined host nation, and could not make their dominance count until Moshood, now with four goals, unleashed a rocket from outside the box.
Captain Renata Mercedes and the goalkeeper were impressive in the Dominican Republic defence against the Flamingos who had scored eight goals in their first two matches.
Coach Bankole Olowookere made three changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Rokibat Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue and Ramotalahi Kareem in place of Onyedikachi Ekezie, Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi.
Effiong and Chidi were substituted on after the hour, but it took a special effort from Moshood, scorer of the tournament’s fastest goal, to break the hearts of the hosts.
Victory means the Flamingos top their group, three points better than second-placed Ecuador, who thrashed New Zealand 4-0 to finish with six points and set up a clash with Spain on Sunday.
