New Zealand U-17 vs Nigeria U-17: On-Fire Flamingos Beat Junior Football Ferns in Opener at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
On-Fire Nigeria Beat New Zealand in Opener at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria kicked off their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign in style with a commanding 4-1 victory over New Zealand in their opening group match at the CFC Stadium, Santiago De Los Caballeros. The rapid-fire performance saw the Africans seize control early and never look back.
Nigeria’s Quick Start
It took only two minutes for Nigeria to draw first blood, with Harmony Chidi setting up Shakirat Moshood for the opener. Just 11 minutes later, Khadijat Adegoke doubled the lead, smashing a powerful shot that slipped through the hands of New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Neary.
Faridat Abdulwahab made it 3-0 in the 28th minute, firing from outside the penalty area after a well-taken corner by Moshood. Nigeria’s dominance continued in the second half when Taiwo Afolabi’s header, off an Adegoke cross, secured their fourth goal in the 55th minute.
New Zealand’s Response
New Zealand found some consolation on the hour mark when Hannah Saxon turned an Ela Jerez corner into the net. However, the Kiwis were largely outplayed in possession, territory, and chances, with Nigeria creating 32 attempts on goal to New Zealand’s three.
Player of the Match
Taiwo Afolabi was awarded the Player of the Match for her stellar performance in the midfield and her crucial goal.
Match Statistics (New Zealand / Nigeria)
Possession: 36% / 64%
Shots: 3 / 32
Shots on target: 1 / 10
Passes: 307 / 553
Passes completed: 53% / 76%
Corners: 2 / 11
Free kicks: 6 / 6
Next Matches for New Zealand
New Zealand faces the Dominican Republic next on Sunday, October 20, 2024, followed by Ecuador on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Both games will be held at the Cibao University Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros.
Line-ups
New Zealand: Brooke Neary, Charli Dunn, Mikaela Bangalan, Emily Humphrey, Alyssha Eglinton, Hannah Saxon (Charley March 66′), Amber De Wit (Кута Morgan 78′), Katie Pugh (Grace Bartlett 57′), Millee Loxton (Nat Young 46′), Ela Jerez, Katie Chellenbron (Mary Brown 57′)
Subs not used: Sophie Campbell, Harriet Muller, Maddison Sawkins, Pia Vlok, Laura Bennett.
Head coach: Alana Gunn
Nigeria: Christiana Uzoma, Khadijat Adegoke, Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Onyedikachi Ekezie, Faridat Abdulwahab (Muinat Rotimi 85′), Shakirat Moshood, Taiwo Afolabi, Harmony Chidi (Ramotalahi Kareem 85′), Aishat Animashaun (Blessing Ifitezue 78′), Peace Effiong.
Subs not used: Sylvia Echefu, Elizabeth Boniface, Anike Azeez, Prisca Nwachukwu, Asiata Isiaka, Funke Arogundade, Oghenemairo Obruthe.
Head coach: Bankole Olowookere
Referee: Olatz Rivera Olmedo (Spain)
Assistant referees: Gabrielle Lemieux (Canada), Katarzyna Wasiak (United States)
Fourth official: Alina Pesu (Romania).
