By Aduku Aruwa
Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos,on Saturday maintained their brilliant start at the ongoing 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, beating Ecuador 4-0 to reach the round of 16.
The Bankole Olowookere led team thrashed New Zealand 4-1 in their opening match at the same venue last Wednesday, while Ecuador secured a 2-0 win over Dominican Republic in the group’s second game of the day, the tournament’s opener at the same venue.
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Going into the encounter, both teams had three points each and were aware that a win will take them to the last eight as the tournament enters the make-or-break stage on the third day.
However, the Flamingos were the better side as they deliver another strong performance while exhibiting enthusiasm , pace and skills to zoom past their opponents into the next stage.
Nigeria have made history as the first African country to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, currently taking place in the Dominican Republic.
The team achieved this milestone with a dominant 4-0 victory over Ecuador on Saturday night at the Cibao Stadium.
According to FIFA.com, Nigeria’s comprehensive win was powered by goals from S. Moshood, who opened the scoring with a penalty in the 28th minute and added a second deep into stoppage time.
Chidi extended the lead in the 54th minute, and Effiong completed the scoring with a well-taken goal in the 66th minute.
This victory puts Nigeria at the top of Group A with six points after two games, following an earlier win.
Their strong display and unbeaten run has made them a formidable force in the tournament and has earned them a well-deserved quarter-final spot.
Next, Nigeria will face the hosts, the Dominican Republic, in their final group match on Wednesday at Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez.
This game presents an opportunity for Nigeria to finish the group stages on a high as they prepare for the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile,Flamingos striker Harmony Chidi was named the official Player of the Match against Ecuador.
