- Nigeria thrashed Samoa 4-0, led by Queen Joseph's two goals, securing the required high-margin win to reach the Round of 16 at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
- Captain Moshood and defender Oduntan also scored as the Flamingos bounced back from earlier defeats to qualify for the knockout stage, continuing their quest to surpass their 2022 bronze medal finish.
Nigeria's Flamingos delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Samoa in Rabat to secure their place in the Round of 16 at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.
The dominant performance was essential for the Nigerian side, who needed a high-margin win following earlier defeats to Canada (1-4) and France (0-1).
Queen Joseph was the star of the show, netting a brilliant brace to bring her tournament goal tally to three. The opening goal came early in the 13th minute when Joseph latched onto a superb pass from Captain Shakirat Moshood and expertly lifted the ball over Samoan goalkeeper Grace Ae.
Captain Moshood doubled Nigeria's lead in the 27th minute, successfully converting a penalty kick after defender Holly Leapai was penalised for a handball inside the box from a corner.
The Flamingos pressed hard for more goals, and in the 36th minute, the impressive Nguemo Terlumun set up Joseph for her second goal, crossing for her to knock the ball into the net for a comfortable 3-0 lead.
The fourth and final goal arrived in the 67th minute courtesy of defender Azeezat Oduntan, who scored a sweet one straight from the wing via a well-placed cross.
Nigeria thought they had a fourth goal earlier, just 32 seconds into the second half, but Captain Moshood’s second penalty effort was saved by Ae after Terlumun was fouled.
Nigerian goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu also played her part, making two brilliant saves either side of the fourth goal to maintain the clean sheet.
The impressive win means the Flamingos advance to the next stage of the competition in Morocco, keeping their dreams of U17 Women's World Cup glory alive.
Ejim Kaycee
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