Nigeria’s U17 girls’s workforce, the Flamingos, delivered a
commanding 4-1 victory over New Zealand of their opening match of
the 2024 FIFA U17 Ladies’s World Cup on the Cibao Stadium in
Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.
Targets from Shakirat Moshood, Taiwo Adegoke, Faridat Abdulwahab,
and captain Taiwo Afolabi propelled Bankole Olowookere’s aspect to a
assured begin within the match.
On the 2022 version in India, Nigeria equally defeated New
Zealand 4-0, persevering with their dominance over the AFC aspect.
A flurry of targets in Cibao
Nigeria wasted no time taking management of the match. Within the 2nd
minute, attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring
after a swift counterattack involving Effiong and Concord Chidi.
Chidi offered the help, and Moshood weaved previous her marker
earlier than slotting a left-footed shot into the close to publish, giving the
Flamingos an early lead.
Simply 11 minutes later, Taiwo Adegoke, a right-back with an eye fixed
for assault, discovered herself in midfield to obtain a cross from
Abdulwahab. Her shot, although initially parried by New Zealand
goalkeeper Brooke Neary, crossed the road to increase Nigeria’s
benefit to 2-0.
Faridat Abdulwahab, who had been testing New Zealand’s protection
with long-range efforts, added a 3rd aim within the twenty seventh minute.
Following a brief nook from Moshood, Abdulwahab unleashed a
highly effective shot that curled into the left nook of the web, leaving
Neary surprised.
Nigeria’s dominance continued within the second half. Within the 56th
minute, captain Taiwo Afolabi capped off a memorable efficiency
with a outstanding header, nodding the ball into the again of the web
regardless of her diminutive stature, making it 4-0.
Six minutes after Afolabi’s aim, New Zealand pulled one again
by means of Hannah Saxon, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the
Flamingos.
Nevertheless, the sport ended 4-1 in Nigeria’s favor, with the workforce
now topping
Group A forward of their subsequent match in opposition to Ecuador on
Saturday.
