Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Dominican Republic’s Quisqueyanas in their final group game of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.
They finish the group stage with a perfect record, equalling Spain’s achievement of winning all three group matches in this edition of the tournament.
With a quarterfinal berth already guaranteed, head coach Bankole Olowookere rotated his lineup, giving first starts of the competition to Rokibat Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue, and Ramotallahi Kareem.
The trio replaced Oonyedikachi Ekezie, Peace Effiong, and Harmony Chidi, who were rested but available on the bench.
Aminat Moshood thought she had given Nigeria an early lead in the 11th minute following an assist from Kareem, but her effort was ruled out.
The Flamingos’ defense faced a brief scare when Dominican Republic’s Alexa Isabella Castro had a clear chance to score but missed the target.
Nigeria remained in control, with Moshood and Ifitezue forcing saves from Dominican goalkeeper Jaylene Rondon.
However, the Flamingos were unable to break the deadlock in the first half, marking the first time in the tournament that they had failed to score in the opening period.
In the second half, Olowookere made tactical adjustments by introducing Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi.
Chidi nearly created a goal in the 72nd minute, but Taiwo Adegoke was unable to convert at the far post.
The breakthrough finally came in the 88th minute when Moshood unleashed a stunning long-range strike to give Nigeria the lead.
Her fourth goal of the tournament made her the top scorer in the competition so far.
With this victory, Nigeria finished the group stage with nine points, joining reigning champions Spain as the only teams to win all their group matches.
Nigeria will now face the United States in the quarterfinals on Saturday, continuing their quest for the title.
