By Mark Ogagan
Nigeria coasted to a comfortable 4-1 victory over New Zealand as the 2024 FIFA Under17 Women’s World Cup tournament kicked off in Dominican Republic on Wednesday.
The Flamingos posted a domineering performance over their Oceanian counterparts at the Santiago de los Caballeros to move to the top of Group A, with Shakirat Moshood scoring the opener in the 2nd minute.
Taiwo Adegoke doubled Nigeria’s lead 13 minutes later, while Farihat Abdulwahab extended Nigeria’s lead with a stunning strike just before the half hour mark.
Captain Taiwo Afolabi then added a fourth goal, sealing the Flamingos’ dominance.
New Zealand managed to pull one back on the hour mark through Hannah Saxon, but it was only a mere consolation.
Harmony Chidi came close to adding more for Nigeria but missed two chances in the 75th minute.
In his post-match comments, Flamingos’ coach, Olowookere Bankole said, “It’s a good first game for us. We are taking them as they come, so a good game for us, scoring four goals and only conceding one, so not bad for our first game.”
Player of the Match: Taiwo Afolabi (Nigeria)
Nigeria’s next group game is against Ecuador on Saturday.
Match Day One results:
Group A – New Zealand 1-4 Nigeria
Group A – Dominican Republic 0-2 Ecuador
Group B – Spain 3-1 USA
Group B – Korea Republic 1-1 Colombia
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