U-17 Women’s W’Cup: Nigeria battle Ecuador for quarterfinal spot

Nigeria will look to build upon their blistering start when they face Ecuador at Santiago de Los Caballeros on Saturday for their second Group A match of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic.

Bankole Olowookere’s team thrashed New Zealand 4-1 in their opening match at the same venue on Wednesday, while Ecuador secured a 2-0 win over Dominican Republic in the group’s second game of the day, the tournament’s opener at the same venue.

Both teams have three points each and know a win will take them to the last eight as the tournament enters the make-or-break stage on the third day.

Nigeria’s high-flying attack was too much for New Zealand to handle, going 3-0 up in the first half through Shakirat Moshood’s brace, Khadijat Adegoke, and Farihat Abdulwahab. Captain Taiwo Afolabi, who emerged as the Woman of the Match, added a fourth on 55 minutes before Hannah Saxon pulled a goal back for the Kiwis on the hour mark.

Jaslym Valverde bagged a brace to power Ecuador to victory over the host nation, finding the target on 14 and 29 minutes to emerge the Wowan of the Match.

Ecuador’s defence will be severely tested by the razor-sharp Nigerian attack built around Olowookere’s attacking philosophy, which his players carried out to perfection against New Zealand.

The gaffer, who has spent an eternity in the saddle, was satisfied with his charges pumping in so many goals in their opening match, saying, “It’s a good first game for us. We are taking them as they come, so a good game for us, scoring four goals and only conceding one, so not bad for our first game.”

A win for the Flamingos takes them to the next stage, irrespective of the result of their last match against host country Dominican Republic scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez, Santo Domingo.

New Zealand and Dominican Republic do battle in the group’s second match at CFC Stadium, Santiago de los Caballeros, on Saturday, with both knowing a loss will spell the end of their tournament.