Shakirat Moshood’s 89th minute
strike from 24 yards earned Nigeria all three points against a heroic Dominican
Republic side in the two team’s final match of Group A at the FIFA U17 Women’s
World Cup on Wednesday morning. The win ensured that Nigeria will battle USA in
the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Playing for the first
time in Santo Domingo, the barnstorming Nigerians found the going tough under
driving rain against a determined host nation, and could not make an
overwhelming ball possession count until Moshood, now with four goals,
unleashed a rocket from outside the box.
Captain Renata
Mercedes and goalkeeper Rondon led a famous resistance against one of the
elites of the competition, and the hosts deserved praise for their pushback
that ensured the Flamingos made nothing out of 16 corner kicks.
Coach Bankole
Olowookere made three changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Rokibat
Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue and Ramotalahi Kareem in place of Onyedikachi Ekezie,
Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi.
He restored Effiong
and Chidi after the hour, but it took a special effort from Moshood, scorer of
the tournament’s fastest goal, to break the hearts of the hosts.
Victory means the
Flamingos top their group, three points better than second-placed Ecuador, who
walloped New Zealand 4-0 to finish with six points and set up a clash with
Spain on Sunday. Caprice Chiuchiolo netted a brace.
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