Santiago, Dominican Republic – Nigeria on Saturday confidently marched past Ecuador to collect their second victory, remaining at the top of Group A of the ongoing 2024 FIFA under-17 women’s world cup in Dominican Republic.
The African side asserted their authority in the 4-0 win, breaking the deadlock when Shakirat Moshood converted after a foul in the Ecuador area.
Nigeria’s skill and pace really came to the fore in the second stanza as Harmony Chidi scored her first goal of the tournament with a powerful right-footed strike.
A goalkeeper error allowed Peace Effiong to slot home into an open net before Moshood capped the festivities with her second of the day in stoppage time.
The final Group matches are yet to be played
All the results of matches played on Saturday are as follows –
Group A – Nigeria 4-0 Ecuador
Dominican Republic 1-1 New Zealand
Group B – Spain 5-0 Korea Republic
Colombia 0-2 USA.
Spain also reached the quarter finals after pounding South Korea 5-0.
Reactions after the match.
“We knew that Nigeria were going to be a tough opponent, they have very fast players. We came in prepared but it didn’t work. But that’s football and now we have to focus on the game against New Zealand,” Domenica Arboleda, Ecuador forward
“I’m very happy. I don’t know how to express this. It’s joy for me right now because in the last game, when the goal didn’t come, my coach calmed me down. He believes in me so much that I can do it, even when it’s not coming, so I appreciate him for that and bless God for it,” Harmony Chidi, Nigeria striker on scoring her first World Cup goal.
The other two African Representatives, Kenya and Zambia, are, however, not doing very well after Day One matches in their groups.
Kenya is in third place in Group C and Zambia languishing in fourth place in Group D.
