Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a dramatic 89th-minute goal to defeat hosts Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo on Wednesday.
Midfielder Shakirat Moshood delivered the game-winning goal, a stunning left-footed strike from 25 yards, which flew past the Dominican goalkeeper, marking her fourth goal of the tournament. Earlier in the match, Moshood had another attempt disallowed for offside by VAR. Team captain Taiwo Afolabi also came close, forcing a save from the Dominican keeper.
After a goalless first half, the Flamingos intensified their pressure, with Moshood eventually breaking the deadlock. The win, their third straight victory, allowed the Flamingos to top Group A with a perfect nine points, finishing above Ecuador, Dominican Republic, and New Zealand.
The Flamingos, coached by Bankole Olowokoore, have shown exceptional form, starting the tournament with a dominant 4-1 win over New Zealand and following it up with a 4-0 thrashing of Ecuador.
Coach Olowokoore praised the team’s performance, expressing gratitude to fans for their support. He promised that the team would continue to make Nigerians proud. “We will give them joy, and we are going to make them proud,” he said.
The match set a new attendance record for any Dominican Republic national football team, with 13,535 spectators in the stadium. The Flamingos now turn their attention to the quarterfinals, where they will face the United States.
