Flaming Flamingos fly to World Cup knockout rounds

The Flamingos tonight shot to the knockout rounds of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic after they beat debutants Ecuador 4-0 in a second Group A clash.

The Nigerian girls have now recorded six points from two matches before their final group game against the host nation Tuesday.

The Flamingos dominated this game and could even have won by a much bigger scoreline with striker Harmony Chidi having several efforts chalked off.

Shakirat Moshood gave the Flamingos the lead in the 28^th minute from the penalty spot after VAR showed that captain Taiwo Afolabi was fouled inside the box.

Striker Harmony Chidi, top scorer in the qualifiers with 13 goals, finally opened her goals’ account in the 54^th when she was set up by Peace Effiong.

Effiong turned from provider to scorer on 66 minutes, when she profited from a defensive mix-up by the South Americans.

Shakirat Moshood got her brace in stoppage time for her third goal of the World Cup.

Nigeria won third place two years ago in India and the girls have vowed to improve on this in the Dominican Republic.