By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Three goals in the first half and another in the second stanza ensured that Nigeria’s junior women’s football team Flamingos thrashed harpless New Zealand 4-1 in the Group A opening match of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at the Estadio Cibao in Santiago in Dominican Republic on Wednesday night.
The convincing victory over New Zealand has highlighted the Nigeria’s strong determination of doing well at the global showpiece after the country finished in the third place in the last edition under the same head coach Bankole Olowookere.
From the kick-off, Nigeria took control of the game, immediately putting the New Zealand defence under immense pressure as the Nigerian attack, orchestrated by Abidemi Moshood, Taiwo Adegoke and Opeyemi Abdulwahab, created numerous chances and were duly rewarded in the 2nd minute through Abidemi Moshood, who finished off a quick move with an accurate shot.
In the 13th minute, Taiwo Adegoke doubled the lead with a powerful strike, taking advantage of a hesitation in the defence.
The Flamingos continued to dominate the game, and in the 28th minute, Opeyemi Abdulwahab scored the third goal, taking a perfectly measured cross to make it 3-0.
Nigeria kept up the pressure in the second half, and Taiwo Afolabi added a fourth goal in the 55th minute, deflecting a shot from outside the box.
Although Nigeria appeared in control, New Zealand did not give up and managed to reduce the deficit in the 60th minute thanks to Aimee Saxon, who scored from a cleverly executed free-kick.
Nigeria finished the match in clear dominance, registering a total of 30 shots, 15 of which were on target. This impressive performance is a perfect start to for the Flamingos.
Speaking after the encounter, Nigeria’s coach, Olowookere, 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.”.
Elsewhere, Ecuador defeated the host, Dominican Republic by 2-0 in the first Group A opener, with Jaslym Valverde scoring the two goals in the 14th and 29th minutes of play.
Ecuador striker, Jazlym Valverde, said after the match: “It is an honour to represent my country. I feel so proud for doing well for my team. I didn’t really expect to score two goals, but here we are and thank God it happened. It means a lot and it’s a great joy being part of this special Ecuador victory.”
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