Nigeria’s U-17 Flamingos dust off New Zealand in World Cup campaign

• Shakirat Moshood scored after just 80 seconds, one of the competition’s fastest goals
• Taiwo Adegoke’s long-range strike made it 2-0 after a VAR review confirmed the goal
• Captain Taiwo Afolabi extended the lead to 4-0 with a looping header early in the second half

The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup kicked off in the best possible way for Nigeria as they cruised to a commanding 4-1 victory over a seemingly shocked New Zealand side on Wednesday, October 16. 

In a spectacular opening at the CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, Nigeria wasted no time in stamping its authority. 

In just 80 seconds into the game, Shakirat Moshood danced past New Zealand’s defence to slot home one of the tournament’s fastest goals ever. It was a sign of what was to come, as Nigeria piled on the pressure, leaving their opponents reeling in the opening half.

Faridat Abdulwahab came close to doubling the lead just seven minutes later, striking the crossbar with a fierce shot from distance. However, it didn’t take long for Nigeria to find the second. 

In the 13th minute, Taiwo Adegoke’s long-range effort caught New Zealand’s goalkeeper off-guard, as she fumbled the ball over the line before desperately trying to claw it back. After a quick Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check, Nigeria was awarded the goal, now putting them comfortably in control.

The Flamingos’ relentless attack saw Moshood nearly score again in the 17th minute, forcing the New Zealand goalkeeper into an uncomfortable save. Moments later, Peace Effiong missed a golden opportunity from six yards out, sending her shot too high. By the 28th minute, Nigeria extended their lead when Abdulwahab calmly lifted the ball over the keeper from a well-placed corner kick, making it 3-0.

In the second half, Nigeria continued their dominance. Taiwo Afolabi’s looping header from Adegoke’s cross made it 4-0 just eight minutes after the break. 

Although New Zealand managed to pull one back through Saxon, who finished neatly from a corner in the 60th minute, the Flamingos remained firmly in control, with Chidi nearly adding a fifth goal in the 75th minute. 

Coach Olowookere Bankole expressed his delight on social media,

“We kicked off our campaign in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic with an impressive 4-1 win against New Zealand. I’m grateful for your support, Nigerians. Let’s hope for more positive results ahead,” he said.

With this impressive win, Nigeria is now looking forward to their next game against Ecuador, hoping to secure another three points and advance to the knockout stage.

U-20 World Cup: Falconets face Venezuela in fate-deciding match after loss to Germany

Previously, TheRadar reported that coming off an impressive 1-0 win against South Korea in their opening fixture at Estadio El Techo, the Super Falconets seemed ready to take on the world. With three points from two matches, they sit second in their group behind Germany, who now top the table with six points. 

To keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages alive, the Falconets must win their final group game against Venezuela.