U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos thrash Ecuador 4-0 to Book quarter-final spot

By Saheed Afolabi 

The Nigeria U17 Women’s National team, delivered an emphatic 4-0 victory over Ecuador to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

A brace from Shakirat Moshood, along with goals from forwards Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi, sealed the dominant win over La Tricolor (The Three Colors), who were left reeling from the Flamingos’ attacking prowess.

Moshood opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a penalty, awarded after Ecuadorian defenders brought down Nigeria’s captain, Taiwo Afolabi, inside the 18-yard box. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances in the first half, Nigeria was unable to add to their lead before the break.

However, it didn’t take long for the Flamingos to extend their advantage after the restart. Just nine minutes into the second half, Harmony Chidi unleashed a powerful left-footed strike to make it 2-0, marking her first goal of the tournament.

A shocking blunder from the Ecuadorian goalkeeper presented Peace Effiong with a golden opportunity, and she made no mistake, pouncing on the mistake to net Nigeria’s third goal.

Moshood sealed the victory with a clinical finish in the dying moments of the game, completing her brace and putting the final nail in Ecuador’s coffin.

With the win, Nigeria has secured their spot in the quarter-finals, but they will still face host nation Dominican Republic in their final group game on Wednesday, October 23, at the Estadio Félix Sánchez. The Flamingos will aim to finish top of the group and build momentum as they prepare for the knockout stages.