RABAT:Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Samoa to book their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Forward Queen Joseph led the charge with a brace, while Azeezat Oduntan and captain Shakirat Moshood added one goal each to seal a crucial win that ensured Nigeria advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The Flamingos needed to win by at least two goals to qualify, and they did so in convincing style. Joseph opened the scoring in the 13th minute, setting the tone for an assertive first-half display.
Captain Moshood doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 27th minute from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed a foul in the box, sending the Samoan goalkeeper the wrong way. Seven minutes later, Joseph completed her brace with a composed finish off Tabitha Terlumu’s well-timed assist.
The team could have added more before halftime, but Moshood missed a chance to bag her second goal early in the second half, with Samoan goalkeeper Grace Ae saving her 47th-minute penalty.
Nigeria, however, continued to dominate, and Oduntan sealed the win in the 68th minute with a superb strike into the top corner — her first goal of the tournament.
Despite several near misses, the Flamingos settled for a 4-0 result, finishing third in Group D with a +3 goal difference. Group leaders Canada topped the table after a 2-1 win over France, while Nigeria’s victory ensured their progression to the knockout stage.
The Flamingos will next face Korea DPR in the Round of 16 on Tuesday as they continue their quest for glory.
