In a thrilling encounter on early Wednesday morning, Nigeria’s women’s U-17 national team, the Flamingos, clinched a dramatic 1-0 victory over hosts Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo.
The win, secured by a stunning late goal in the 89th minute, marked the Flamingos’ third consecutive triumph in the ongoing 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, solidifying their position at the top of Group A.
Midfielder Shakirat Moshood emerged as the hero of the match, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination. Collecting the ball from 25 yards out, she unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that sailed past the Dominican goalkeeper, marking her fourth goal of the tournament.
Moshood’s late effort capped off a dominant performance from the Nigerian side, who had been pressuring the hosts throughout the match.
The encounter began with an early scare for the Flamingos as Moshood’s attempt was ruled offside by the Video Assistant Referee just 15 minutes into the game.
Team captain Taiwo Afolabi also came close to breaking the deadlock, forcing the Dominican goalkeeper into a crucial save. However, it was after half-time that the Flamingos intensified their efforts, ultimately leading to Moshood’s match-winning strike.
This latest victory allowed the Flamingos to finish their group campaign with a perfect record, accumulating a total of nine points from three matches.
They topped Group A, outperforming competitors Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and New Zealand. The team’s remarkable run included an impressive 4-1 win over New Zealand in their opener, followed by a commanding 4-0 victory against Ecuador.
Coach Bankole Olowokoore has expressed immense pride in his team’s performance and dedication. In a statement following the victory, he thanked supporters for their unwavering backing.
“I will not change our messages to Nigerians but to thank and appreciate them for their support. They should keep supporting us, and we will make them proud.
This is a promise that we made to them before we left Nigeria, and we are fulfilling the promise,” he said, highlighting the importance of community support in the team’s journey.
The match also drew significant attention, with the Flamingos’ game recorded as the highest-attended football match for any Dominican Republic national team, boasting an impressive crowd of 13,535 spectators.
The excitement in the stadium reflected the growing popularity of women’s football and the impact of the U-17 Women’s World Cup on the host nation.
Looking ahead, the Flamingos are set to face the United States in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The anticipation is high as they prepare to take on one of the strongest teams in women’s youth football.
With their confidence soaring and a track record of strong performances, the Nigerian side aims to continue their impressive run and make history in the competition.
As the Flamingos advance, they embody the hopes and aspirations of a nation, representing the potential of young female athletes in Nigeria and showcasing their talent on the global stage.
Fans and supporters are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their journey, hopeful that the Flamingos will continue to inspire with their passion and determination.
