FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos Soar Past Samoa 4-0 to Secure Round of 16 Spot
Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, delivered a commanding performance in Rabat, Morocco, defeating Samoa 4-0 to book their place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Facing a must-win scenario after earlier losses to Canada (1-4) and France (0-1), the Flamingos came out with purpose and intensity.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a precise assist from captain Shakirat Moshood to slot the ball past Samoan goalkeeper Grace Ae.
Moshood doubled the lead in the 27th minute, calmly converting a penalty after Holly Leapai handled the ball in the box.
Nigeria’s relentless pressure paid off again in the 36th minute when Nguemo Terlumun dazzled down the flank and set up Joseph for her second goal of the match, bringing her tournament tally to three.
Just before halftime, Mariam Yahaya nearly added a fourth after a slick one-two with Joseph, but Ae denied her with a sharp save. The Flamingos were awarded another penalty early in the second half, but Ae guessed right to stop Moshood’s second attempt from the spot.
The final goal came in the 67th minute when defender Azeezat Oduntan finished off a well-placed cross, sealing the emphatic win. Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu also impressed with two crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
