Nigeria's Flamingos arrive Dominican Republic in style with a record win over Liberia

Posted : 15 June 2024

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Nigeria’s U17 girls, known as the Flamingos, have achieved a remarkable feat by securing their place in the 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, set to be held in the Dominican Republic later this year. Their journey to qualification was highlighted by a convincing 2-0 victory over their Liberian counterparts at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday. This victory extended their aggregate scoreline to 6-1 in favor of Nigeria, showcasing their dominance throughout the qualifying campaign.

Leading the charge was Harmony Chidi, whose exceptional goal-scoring prowess set a new record with a staggering 13 goals in the qualifying series. Before the match against Liberia, Chidi had already netted 11 goals, and her two goals in this crucial match further underscored her importance to the team. Her goals brought Nigeria’s total in the series to an impressive 25 goals, demonstrating their offensive prowess on the international stage.

Chidi’s first goal came early in the game, just four minutes after kick-off, when she skillfully maneuvered past the Liberian defense and slotted the ball into the net, leaving goalkeeper Makula Konneh helpless. This early breakthrough set the tone for Nigeria’s dominance in the match and injected confidence into the team’s performance.

Despite expectations of a goal-laden match, Nigeria faced resilient opposition from Liberia, with close chances for Peace Effiong in the 17th minute and a near miss by Shakirat Moshood, whose powerful strike hit the crossbar moments later. The first half concluded with missed opportunities for both sides, showcasing the competitive nature of the encounter.

In the second half, Nigeria continued to press forward, with Moshood coming close again in the 56th minute with a powerful shot that sailed just wide of the goal. It was Harmony Chidi who ultimately secured her brace in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Liberia to extend Nigeria’s lead and seal their qualification to the World Cup finals in style.

The victory not only highlighted Nigeria’s offensive prowess but also underscored their tactical discipline and resilience under pressure. As they prepare for the prestigious U17 Women’s World Cup, the Flamingos are set to showcase their talent on the global stage, aiming to replicate their success and make their mark in international women’s football.

The journey to the World Cup finals has been a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaching staff, and support personnel behind the scenes. With their spot secured, Nigeria’s U17 girls will now focus on fine-tuning their strategies and maintaining peak performance as they prepare to compete against the world’s best in the Dominican Republic.

Nigeria's Flamingos arrive Dominican Republic in style with a record win over Liberia

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