Nigeria foes Dominican Republic falter to Kenya in pre-U17 Women’s World Cup test

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Dominican Republic, one of Nigeria’s group-stage opponents at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, suffered a 3-1 loss to Kenya in a warm-up match ahead of the tournament.

Kenya took an early lead with goals from Valerie Nekesa and Marion Serenge in the first half, while Lindey Atieno sealed the victory with a strike in the 81st minute.

As hosts of the tournament, the Dominican Republic will face Nigeria, Ecuador, and New Zealand in Group A. Kenya, on the other hand, is set to face Korea DPR, Mexico, and England in Group C.

In another pre-tournament friendly, Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, played out a 1-1 draw with Mexican opponents earlier this week.

With less than a week to go before the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup kicks off, teams are using these warm-up matches to fine-tune their tactics and strategies.

Spain claimed victory in the last edition in India 2022, defeating Colombia in the final, while Nigeria secured the bronze medal with a penalty shootout win over Germany.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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