Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, bounced back in style with a commanding 4-0 victory over Samoa in Rabat to book their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
After opening losses to Canada and France left their qualification hopes in jeopardy, Bankole Olowookere’s team rose to the occasion with a ruthless display.
Queen Joseph netted twice to take her tournament tally to three, while captain Shakirat Moshood scored from the spot and Azeezat Oduntan added a delightful fourth to seal progression.
Joseph opened the scoring in the 13th minute from Moshood’s clever assist before the skipper made it 2-0 from the penalty spot.
Joseph then added her second after a fine run and cross from Nguemo Terlumun, and Oduntan’s curling strike midway through the second half completed the rout.
The emphatic result confirmed Nigeria’s advancement as one of the best third-placed teams, rekindling memories of their bronze-medal finish in 2022.
The Flamingos will now face Italy on Tuesday, October 28, at 8:00 p.m. (WAT) in Rabat for a place in the quarter-finals.
