Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over hosts Dominican Republic with an 89th-minute strike early Wednesday in Santo Domingo, advancing to the quarterfinals of the ongoing 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Midfielder Shakirat Moshood delivered the decisive moment, launching a powerful left-footed shot from 25 yards out, beating the Dominican goalkeeper and marking her fourth goal of the tournament.
Earlier in the game, 15 minutes in, Moshood had another attempt ruled offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Team captain Taiwo Afolabi also forced a save from the Dominican keeper with a well-placed shot.
The Flamingos dominated the second half, relentlessly pressing their opponents until Moshood’s late goal secured their third consecutive win.
This victory confirmed Nigeria’s place at the top of Group A, having accumulated nine points, finishing ahead of Ecuador, Dominican Republic, and New Zealand.
Coach Bankole Olowokoore’s side has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament, starting with a commanding 4-1 win over New Zealand in their opening match, followed by a 4-0 victory over Ecuador.
With eight goals scored and only one conceded so far, the Flamingos have proven their dominance in the group stage.
Olowokoore expressed his gratitude for the support from Nigerians back home, saying, “I will not change our messages to Nigerians but to thank and appreciate them for their support.
They should keep supporting us… Anytime they are watching us, we will give them joy, and we are going to make them proud. This is a promise that we made to them before we left Nigeria, and we are fulfilling the promise.”
According to the official X handle of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the match set a new attendance record for any Dominican Republic National Team, with 13,535 spectators in the stands.
The Flamingos now turn their focus to a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash against the United States.
