By Nurudeen Obalola
Nigeria’s Flamingos eased to a 4-1 victory over New Zealand on Wednesday night in the first match of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.
Shakirat Moshood, Taiwo Adegoke, Faridat Abdulwahab and Taiwo Afolabi struck for the Flamingos before Hannah Saxon pulled one back for New Zealand.
Moshood got the Nigerian girls on their way with one of the fastest goals ever in the competition, slotting home inside the first 80 seconds at the CFC Stadium.
Defender Adegoke doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 13th minute as her long-range shot was palmed into the net by the New Zealand goalkeeper.
The ball was confirmed to have crossed the line and adjudged to be a goal after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checks.
The Flamingos were in control and hit the New Zealand post twice before the third goal arrived.
After captain Afolabi’s shot was pushed behind, the Flamingos struck from the resultant corner kick, with Abdulwahab lifting the ball over the goalkeeper from close range in the 28th minute.
It was 4-0 eight minutes into the second half as Afolabi’s looping header sailed into the net.
Saxon scored a consolation goal for New Zealand on the hour mark, shooting past Flamingos goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma after a corner kick.
Up next for Bankole Olowookere’s side are debutants Ecuador on Saturday.
