FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup: Flamingos pip Dominican Republic to complete third 100% group phase record, set up second straight quarterfinal tie with USA

A late wonder strike from one of the stars of the tournament, Shakirat Moshood from 24 yards earned Nigeria’s Flamingos all three points against a heroic Dominican Republic side in the two team’s final match of Group A at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday morning.

The win ensured Nigeria completed a 100% group phase finish for the third time (2010, 2014 and 2024) in the history of the competition to set up a second straight quarterfinal bout with USA on Saturday.

Playing for the first time in Santo Domingo, the barnstorming Nigerians found the going tough under driving rain against a determined host nation and could not make an overwhelming ball possession count until Moshood, now with four goals, unleashed a rocket from outside the box.

Captain Renata Mercedes and goalkeeper Rondon led a famous resistance against one of the elites of the competition, and the hosts deserved praise for their pushback that ensured the Flamingos made nothing out of 16 corner kicks.

Rondon had the game of her life, thwarting Nigeria time and time again but there was little she could do with the strike that settled it. New adidas Golden Boot leader Moshood collecting the ball 25-yards from goal, teeing it up on her left and launching a rocket that flew past Rondon a minute from the end of regulation time.

Coach Bankole Olowookere made three changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Rokibat Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue and Ramotalahi Kareem in place of Onyedikachi Ekezie, Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi.

He restored Effiong and Chidi after the hour, but it took a special effort from Moshood, scorer of the tournament’s fastest goal, to break the hearts of the hosts.

Victory means the Flamingos top their group, three points better than second-placed Ecuador, who walloped New Zealand 4-0 to finish with six points and set up a clash with Spain on Sunday. Caprice Chiuchiolo netted a brace.

Olowoolere was delighted his side was able to snatch a win.

‘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 after the match.