Flamingos stroll into quarterfinals with eight goals in two matches after Ecuador walk in the park

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, secured their place in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a dominant 4-0 win over Ecuador in their second group match.

This victory followed their impressive 4-1 triumph over New Zealand in their opening game, giving the team a perfect six points from two matches, with eight goals scored and only one conceded.

Shakirat Moshood, one of Nigeria’s standout performers, opened the scoring in the first half, converting a penalty in the 26th minute after captain Taiwo Afolabi was fouled inside the box.

Moshood, who had earlier scored one of the tournament’s fastest goals in the previous match, displayed her clinical finishing once again.

Pacy forward Peace Effiong was a constant threat and added to the tally with her first goal of the tournament, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up by the Ecuadorians.

Harmony Chidi, Nigeria’s top scorer during the qualifying campaign, also got on the scoresheet after missing several chances in the first half.

In the closing stages of the match, Moshood capped off a stellar team performance with her second goal, securing a comprehensive victory for Olowookere’s girls.

Our  formidable Flamingos are through to the quarter-final! #U17WWC #SoarFlamingos pic.twitter.com/s219jm34V8

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 19, 2024

With this result, the Flamingos have all but secured their place in the knockout stages ahead of their final group-stage match against host nation Dominican Republic.