Nigeria’s Flamingos were eliminated from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following a 2-0 loss to the United States in the quarter-final match at Santiago de los Caballeros Stadium in the Dominican Republic. The American team, showcasing tactical precision, scored a goal in each half, ending Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.
Despite Nigeria entering as favorites, the U.S. side held a strong grip over the game, tactically outmaneuvering the Flamingos. Kennedy Fuller and Kimmi Ascanio led the charge, disrupting Nigeria’s midfield and exploiting the wings to create scoring opportunities.
In the 43rd minute, Fuller broke through the Nigerian defense, drawing a foul from Shakirat Moshood in the penalty area, which, after a VAR review, was awarded as a penalty. Fuller converted the spot-kick, giving the U.S. a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Nigeria had a chance to equalize early in the second half when a defensive error gave Taiwo Afolabi a clear shot, but U.S. goalkeeper Evan Osteen made a crucial save.
The U.S. solidified their lead in the 71st minute when Ascanio struck a low shot into the bottom corner, securing their place in the semi-finals and ending Nigeria’s hopes in the tournament.
