Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after a commanding 4-0 victory over Samoa on Saturday in Rabat.
Queen Joseph was the star of the match, scoring twice to take her tournament tally to three goals. Captain Shakirat Moshood also scored from the penalty spot, while defender Azeezat Oduntan added a superb goal straight from the wing.
After suffering a 4-1 loss to Canada and a narrow 1-0 defeat to France, the Flamingos knew only a big win could secure their qualification. They started strongly and opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Joseph finished off a fine pass from Moshood.
Three minutes later, Samoa goalkeeper Grace Ae denied Chisom Nwachukwu, but she was beaten again in the 27th minute as Moshood calmly converted a penalty after a handball by defender Holly Leapai.
In the 36th minute, Nguemo Terlumun, who caused constant problems for Samoa’s defence, dribbled past her marker and set up Joseph for Nigeria’s third goal.
Just before halftime, Mariam Yahaya went close after a fine build-up with Joseph, but her shot was saved.
Moshood missed another penalty early in the second half, but in the 67th minute, Oduntan sealed the win with a clever finish from the flank. Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu also made two brilliant saves to keep a clean sheet.
