Nigeria Flamingos Edge Dominican Republic To Secure Quarter Final Clash With USA At U-17 Women’s World Cup

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, continued their impressive run at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, clinching a dramatic 1-0 victory over hosts Dominican Republic. 

The match, held early Wednesday in Santo Domingo, was decided by a late strike from midfielder Shakirat Moshood in the 89th minute.

Moshood’s game-winning goal came from a powerful left-footed shot taken from 25 yards out, beating the Dominican goalkeeper and securing her fourth goal of the tournament.

Earlier in the match, Moshood’s goal in the 15th minute was disallowed after a VAR review ruled it offside. Team captain Taiwo Afolabi also tested the Dominican defence with a shot that forced a crucial save.

The victory marks the Flamingos’ third consecutive win, earning them the top spot in Group A. They completed the group stage with a perfect record of nine points, finishing above Ecuador, hosts Dominican Republic, and New Zealand. 

Nigeria’s squad has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, scoring eight goals and conceding just one across three group-stage matches.

Coach Bankole Olowokoore’s side kicked off their campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over New Zealand in the Group A opener at Cibao Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros. 

This was followed by an impressive 4-0 victory over Ecuador, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess.

Olowokoore expressed his gratitude to Nigerian fans for their unwavering support, stating, “We promised Nigerians that we would make them proud, and we are delivering on that promise. We appreciate their support, and we will continue to give them reasons to celebrate as we advance in the tournament.”

The match against the Dominican Republic saw a record-breaking crowd, with 13,535 spectators—the highest attendance for any Dominican Republic National Team match, according to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup’s official social media account.

The Flamingos are set to face a formidable challenge in the quarterfinals, where they will take on the United States.