Nigeria made a bold statement at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic with a 4-0 thrashing of Ecuador in their second Group A match on Saturday night at Estadio Cibao, Santiago de Los Caballeros.
Bankole Olowookere’s side dominated their South American opponents from start to finish, securing a decisive result that has propelled them to the tournament’s quarter-finals—the first team to do so, having secured six points from two matches.
Shakirat Moshood scored a brace, opening the scoring in the 28th minute from the penalty spot and rounding off the match with a goal six minutes into added time.
Harmony Chidi made it 2-0 in the 54th minute, and Peace Effiong added a third.
The Nigerians kept their opponents constantly on the defensive and could have easily doubled the score, having taken 31 shots with 13 on target.
Nigeria are expected to claim a straightforward victory when they face the Dominican Republic in their final group game at Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez, Santo Domingo, on Wednesday.
The Flamingos finished third in the last edition in India and have participated in every edition of the competition since its inception in 2008, reaching the quarter-finals in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
They broke their quarter-final jinx in the 2022 edition, defeating the USA to reach their first-ever semi-finals.
The team also defeated New Zealand 4-1 in their tournament opener.
