BY AYOMIDE OYE
As the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup kicked off Wednesday, in the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Spain and Ecuador have been speaking after recording victories in their opening matches.
In Group A, Prompt News reports that Nigeria’s Flamingos defeated New Zealand 4-1.
Nigeria had three on the score-board before the half-hour mark courtesy of Shakirat Moshood’s finish, a long-distance effort from Khadijat Adegoke that slipped through the hands of Brooke Neary and a right-footed rocket from Faridat Abdulwahab.
Taiwo Afolabi also bossed the midfield all day and got a goal for herself early in the second stanza.
Speaking after the encounter, Nigeria’s head coach, Bankole 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.”.
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.”
In Group B, Spain humbled the USA in a 3-1 score opening game, with Jocelyn Travers OG (3), Noa Ortega (70) and Alba Cerrato (83) scoring goals for Spain while USA’s only goal was courtesy of Mel Barcenas (22).
“The senior team showed us that playing in a World Cup is a big thing, the biggest thing in terms of level. We’d put a lot of work into this match, we’d studied them a lot, and the hard work paid off in the end,” said Pau Comendador, Spain captain.
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