The Flamingos achieved a resounding 4-0 victory over Ecuador on Saturday evening at Cibao Stadium during their second group match of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Coach Bankole Olowookere retained the same starting lineup that faced New Zealand in their opening match on Wednesday.
In the 11th minute, Harmony Chidi tested Ecuador’s goalkeeper, Maria Rodriguez, with a powerful shot that required a remarkable save.
Peace Effiong then had a chance to give Nigeria the lead but was thwarted by Domi Rodriguez.
Approaching the half-hour mark, Effiong maneuvered into the Ecuadorian penalty area and passed to Chidi, but the ball was intercepted just before reaching her, falling instead to Taiwo Afolabi.
Afolabi was subsequently fouled by Maite Zambrano, and following a review by the Video Assistant Referee, a penalty was awarded to the Flamingos.
Shakirat Moshood confidently stepped up to take the penalty, skillfully placing it past the goalkeeper, who was sent the wrong way.
Two minutes following the initial goal, Effiong sought to extend the Flamingos’ lead to two goals but was unable to finish.
In the 36th minute, Chidi found the back of the net; however, her goal was disallowed due to an offside call.
A long-range shot from Caprice Chiuchiolo compelled Christiana Uzoma to make a save just before the end of the first half.
Shortly after the second half commenced, Chidi scored again, but her goal was disallowed for offside for the second time in the match.
Chidi ultimately increased Nigeria’s lead in the 54th minute, striking a low shot into the net following a pass from Aishat Animashaun.
She nearly secured a second goal shortly thereafter, forcing Rodriguez into a save within the penalty area.
Five minutes past the hour, Melany Pozo, who had come on for Rodriguez, mishandled a pass from Zambrano, allowing Effiong to tap the ball into the unguarded net.
In the 78th minute, Moshood attempted a long-range shot, but Pozo was able to make the save.
During stoppage time, Uzoma miscalculated a corner kick, which fell to Mary Guerra, who nearly scored but was thwarted by a last-minute clearance from Taiwo Adegoke.
Moshood capped off the performance by converting Chidi’s pass, marking her third goal of the tournament in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
This victory secures Nigeria’s position at the top of Group A, with only a disastrous outcome against the Dominican Republic standing between them and a place in the knockout stages.
