Nigeria’s Flamingos came alive in Rabat on Saturday, sweeping aside Samoa 4-0 to book their place in the round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
After back-to-back defeats to Canada and France, the 2022 bronze medallists needed a statement win to stay in the tournament. They produced exactly that, putting on their best performance yet when it mattered most.
Queen Joseph stole the spotlight with two well-taken goals in the first half, earning her the FIFA Player of the Match award. The forward opened the scoring for Flamingos in the 13th minute after racing onto a clever pass from captain Shakirat Moshood and lofting the ball calmly over goalkeeper Grace Ae.
Moments later, Chisom Nwachukwu was denied by Ae, who pulled off a sharp save to keep Samoa in it. But the resistance didn’t last long. A handball by Holly Leapai gifted Nigeria a penalty midway through the half, and Moshood converted with confidence to double the lead.
The Flamingos kept pushing forward, and in the 34th minute, Nguemo Terlumun dazzled down the right, dribbling past her marker before setting up Joseph for her second of the game with a composed finish.
Joseph almost made it a hat-trick just before halftime after combining neatly with Mariam Yahaya, but Ae once again reacted brilliantly to keep the scoreline from growing.
Nigeria started the second half with the same attacking intent and won another penalty when Terlumun was brought down in the box. Moshood stepped up again but this time, Ae guessed right to make the save.
The breakthrough came again in the 67th minute, this time from defender Azeezat Oduntan, who curled a superb effort into the net from a tight angle to seal a commanding win for the Nigerians.
At the other end, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu was alert, producing two fine saves late on to keep a deserved clean sheet. The result ensured Nigeria progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, thanks to their superior goal difference.
In the day’s other Group D match, Canada edged France 2-1 to finish top with six points. Melisa Kekic opened the scoring before an own goal from Oceane Moreau Tranchant extended their advantage. Lea Morissaint’s header gave France hope, but the Canadians held firm despite a late red card for Reed Tingley.
