U17 Women’s World Cup: Shakirat Moshood narrowly misses topscorer podium finish

By: Monsurah Olatunji 

Nigeria’s Shakirat Moshood was one of the standout performers of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, but despite her impressive individual efforts, she fell short of claiming any of the top awards following the Flamingos’ quarterfinal exit.

Moshood had an outstanding start to the tournament, finishing as the top scorer in the group stages with four goals and two assists.

Her attacking prowess had many tipping her to take home the Golden Boot, but the quarterfinal elimination of Nigeria meant she missed out on a podium finish.

While Moshood’s goal tally was impressive, it was not enough to secure a top-three finish in the scoring charts, with Spain’s Pau Prado leading the way with five goals.

USA’s Kennedy Fuller won the Silver Boot with four goals and more assists than Moshood, while Spain’s Celia Segura secured the Bronze Boot, also with four goals and a higher assist count.

Both Moshood and Rim-Jong Choe of North Korea finished with four goals each but were ultimately overshadowed by players who had more well-rounded performances, combining both goals and assists.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the Golden Boot and a podium finish, Moshood’s performances in the group stages were a bright spot for Nigeria.

However, the tournament’s individual awards were dominated by players from other nations, with the Golden Ball for Best Player of the Tournament going to North Korea’s Jon Il-Chong.

Moshood’s strong showing at this tournament, however, only adds to the growing expectations surrounding her future as one of Nigeria’s most promising young talents. She will no doubt be eager to return for the next U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Morocco in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper went to USA’s Evan O’Steen, who was instrumental in her team’s third-place finish. Despite two clean sheets in four games, Nigeria’s Ijeoma Uzoma was not included in the shortlist for the award.

As the 2024 tournament comes to a close, the excitement is already building for next year’s edition, which will feature 24 teams for the first time, expanding the reach and inclusivity of the competition.