The Flamingos of Nigeria secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Samoa in their final group-stage match at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday, sealing their place in the knockout rounds.
A brace from Queen Joseph and one goal each from Shakirat Moshood and Azeezat Oduntan powered Nigeria to their first win of the tournament in Rabat, Morocco, after earlier losses to Canada and France.
Joseph opened the scoring in the 13th minute, calmly finishing Moshood’s precise cross to make it 1-0. The team captain then turned goalscorer in the 27th minute, converting a penalty awarded for handball to double Nigeria’s advantage.
The striker struck again before halftime, tucking in Nguemo Terlumun’s cross to complete her brace and extend the lead to 3-0.
Oduntan added the fourth goal in the 67th minute when her mishit cross looped over the goalkeeper and into the net, sealing an emphatic result for the Nigerian side.
The victory gave the Flamingos three points from three matches in Group D, earning them qualification to the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams, with their next opponent to be determined.