Nigeria booked a place in the Round of 16 of the U-17 Women’s World Cup after a dominant 4-0 victory over Samoa on Saturday. The Flamingos secured qualification as one of the best third-placed teams, thanks to a brace from Queen Joseph and goals from captain Shakirat Moshood and Azeezat Oduntan.
Before the match, Nigeria had lost to Canada and France in Group D. Coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls needed to win by at least two goals to stay in the tournament; and they did it in style.
Joseph opened the scoring in the 13th minute after a clever build-up. Moshood doubled the lead with a composed penalty three minutes before the half-hour mark, following a VAR review.
The Flamingos continued their high-pressure play. Joseph grabbed her second goal in the 34th minute after a brilliant assist from Tabitha Terlumu. Moshood nearly scored again two minutes into the second half, but Samoan goalkeeper Grace Ae saved her penalty.
In the 68th minute, Oduntan sealed the win with a powerful strike into the top corner, making it 4-0. Nigeria pressed for a fifth goal but couldn’t convert their late chances.
The result gave Nigeria a +3 goal difference and third place in Group D. Canada topped the group after beating France 2-1. The U-17 Women’s World Cup journey continues for the Flamingos, who will face Korea DPR next on Tuesday.
