With Zambia and Kenya now eliminated from the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Nigeria has maintained its perfect winning streak in the Dominican Republic following a 1-0 win over the host to finish top of Group A with nine points.
The Flamingos created numerous chances that were thwarted by Dominican Republic goalkeeper Jaylene Rondon, who put up an impressive performance to keep the host in the match throughout the night.
However, a good stroke from Shakirat Moshood was the difference between the two sides.
Moshood’s fourth goal of the tournament propels her into the lead for the Adidas Golden Boot. She is one goal ahead of Melanie Barcenas of the United States and Rim-Jong Choe of North Korea.
Nigeria has now set up a second consecutive quarterfinal match with the United States, whom they defeated in the previous edition of the youth tournament.
Head coach Bankole Olowookere was pleased with his team’s performance, which had already qualified for the quarterfinals after two matches.
“I’m so happy; I’m happy for myself, happy for the team, and happy for the whole of Nigeria. We knew in this match we had to manage our energy and strength; these are young girls with many games to play, so we had to take it easy,” Olowookere said.
During the 2022 edition, Nigeria and the United States drew 2–2, with the West Africans winning 3-2 on post-match penalties and finishing third overall.
It will be the perfect opportunity for the United States to exact revenge, as they have two victories in the tournament, including a 5-0 thrashing of South Korea.
The two teams will face off on Saturday at Cibao Stadium at 21:30 (CAT time).
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