The Nigerian Flamingos triumphed over New Zealand with a decisive 4-1 win as the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup commenced on Wednesday in Santiago de los Caballeros. The match took place at the CFC Stadium, where Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring just 80 seconds in, delivering one of the fastest goals of the tournament after a skillful run through the New Zealand defense.
Nigeria nearly doubled their lead shortly after, with Faridat Abdulwahab’s 23-yard shot hitting the crossbar. In the 13th minute, defender Taiwo Adegoke extended the lead to 2-0 with a powerful long-range strike that slipped past the goalkeeper after a VAR review.
The Nigerian side kept up the pressure throughout the first half. Moshood forced a save in the 17th minute, while Peace Effiong narrowly missed a close-range effort just minutes later. Harmony Chidi’s chance in the 26th minute was blocked after she rounded the goalkeeper, but the Flamingos continued to press.
The third goal came in the 28th minute when captain Taiwo Afolabi’s corner led to Abdulwahab skillfully chipping the ball over the New Zealand goalkeeper from 16 yards out. Nigeria maintained their momentum into the second half, with Afolabi scoring again—a looping header from Adegoke’s cross—just eight minutes after the restart, bringing the score to 4-0.
New Zealand managed to respond in the 60th minute, with Saxon capitalizing on a well-executed corner to beat Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Christiana Uzoma. Despite a late attempt from Chidi in the 75th minute, the Flamingos remained in control, securing the victory.
With their focus now on their upcoming match against Ecuador on Saturday, the Flamingos aim to secure another win to advance to the knockout stage.