U-17 Women’s World Cup – Flamingoes Soar into Round of 16 with 4-0 Win Over Samoa

Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingoes, sealed their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a convincing 4-0 victory over Samoa in their final group-stage game.

Coming into this encounter, the Flamingoes were yet to record a win, having lost 4–1 to Canada in their opening match and 1–0 to France in their second group outing.

Head coach Bankole Olowookere made three changes to the starting lineup that faced France — bringing in goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu for Elizabeth Boniface, while Terlumun Tabitha and Mariam Yahaya replaced Kaosarat Olanrewaju and Abubakar Memunat respectively.

The Nigerian girls started brightly, creating early chances, but the Samoan defence held firm in the opening minutes.

However, just 13 minutes in, the Flamingoes found the breakthrough. Queen Joseph latched onto a fine ball into the box and finished coolly to give Nigeria the lead.

Fourteen minutes later, Shakirat Moshood doubled the advantage from the penalty spot with a well-placed effort that left goalkeeper AE Grace with no chance.

Nigeria continued to press, and Queen Joseph struck again before the break to complete her brace. After a fine run down the right, Terlumun Tabitha delivered a perfect cross, which Joseph tucked away for 3–0.

The Flamingoes had a chance to make it four shortly after halftime when another penalty was awarded, but Moshood’s effort was too tame and comfortably saved by Grace.

In the 68th minute, however, the fourth goal arrived. Jumai Adebayo received a pass from Chisom Nwachukwu down the left flank and curled a stunning effort beyond the goalkeeper to put the game to bed.

Samoa tried to respond late on, with a well-struck effort from outside the area that was superbly tipped onto the crossbar by Sylvia Echefu, who impressed on her World Cup debut.

The 4–0 victory ensures that the Flamingoes advance to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams — a deserved reward for their strong response after two early setbacks.

They will face one of Italy or North Korea in the Round of 16.