Flamingos Hammer Hosts Liberia 4-1, Edge Closer to World Cup Finals.
The Nigerian U-17 Women’s national team, the Flamingos, secured a commanding 4-1 victory over hosts Liberia in the first leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round on Sunday. This win puts the Flamingos in a strong position to advance to the World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic.
The match, held at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, saw the Flamingos take an early lead despite an initial goal being ruled offside by Chadian referee Lare Lamngar. Undeterred, Nigeria’s Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a brilliant solo effort.
Peace Effiong, who had previously scored twice in Nigeria’s 6-0 victory over Burkina Faso, doubled the lead in the 29th minute. Harmony Chidi, a consistent scorer throughout the qualifiers, headed in her 11th goal of the series in the 36th minute, making it 3-0 by halftime.
In the second half, Nigeria continued to dominate, with substitute Blessing Ifitezue adding a fourth goal in the 74th minute. Liberia managed a consolation goal from the penalty spot, scored by Yassah Gwaikolo in the 85th minute, after a foul by Nigeria’s Onyedikachi Ekezie.
The Flamingos will return to Nigeria on Tuesday to begin preparations for the return leg, scheduled for Friday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
