A rapid-fire start by Nigeria set the platform for a 4-1 win against New Zealand in the sides’ opening group game at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Africans took the lead after only two minutes at the CFC Stadium in Santiago De Los Caballeros, and had extended the margin to 3-0 within half an hour.
Overall, New Zealand were outplayed in terms of possession, territory and shots on goal.
The Nigerians created 32 attempts on goal, compared to New Zealand’s three.
Nigeria, who took the bronze medal at the last FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India, took the initiative in the second minute when Harmony Chidi set up Shakirat Moshood for the game’s opening goal.
Khadijat Adegoke doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 13th minute when she smashed home a shot that slipped through the hands of New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Neary.
A corner from Moshood in the 28th minute set up the third Nigerian goal with Faridat Abdulwahab scoring from outside the New Zealand penalty area.
Nigeria scored their fourth goal early in the second half when Adegoke crossed for midfielder Taiwo Afolabi to head into the net.
New Zealand finally got on the scoresheet on the hour mark when Hannah Saxon turned an Ela Jerez corner into the net.
Taiwo Afolabi (Nigeria) was awarded the Player of the Match award.
New Zealand’s remaining group games at the Dominican Republic tournament are against the hosts and Ecuador.
Main photo: Joy for the New Zealanders as they find the net for their consolation goal. Photo credit: FIFA / Getty Images.
Match stats (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
Results
Games played on Thursday October 17, 2024 (NZT)
New Zealand 1 (Hannah Saxon 60’)
Nigeria 4 (Shakirat Moshood 2’, Khadijat Adegoke 13’, Faridat Abdulwahab 28’, Taiwo Afolabi 55’)
WATCH: Highlights from New Zealand’s 4-1 loss to Nigeria at U-17 World Cup >>>>
Dominican Republic 0
Ecuador 2 (Jaslym Valverde 14′, 29′)
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 Brown57′)
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
Officials
Referee: Olatz Rivera Olmedo (Spain)
Assistant referees: Gabrielle Lemieux (Canada), Katarzyna Wasiak (United States)
Fourth official: Alina Pesu (Romania)
Fixtures
Game to be played on Sunday October 20, 2024 (NZT)
Dominican Republic v New Zealand
Cibao University Stadium, Santiago de los Caballeros, 12pm (NZT)
Game to be played on Wednesday October 23, 2024 (NZT)
Ecuador v New Zealand
Cibao University Stadium, Santiago de los Caballeros, 12pm (NZT)
This story was first published on October 17, 2024.
More football stories
