BY Kunle Solaja
Shakirat Moshood’s 89th-minute strike from 24 yards earned Nigeria all three points against a heroic Dominican Republic side in the two team’s final match of Group A at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday morning. The win ensured that Nigeria will battle the USA in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Playing for the first time in Santo Domingo, the barnstorming Nigerians found the going tough under driving rain against a determined host nation, and could not make an overwhelming ball possession count until Moshood, now with four goals, unleashed a rocket from outside the box.
Captain Renata Mercedes and goalkeeper Rondon led a famous resistance against one of the elites of the competition, and the hosts deserved praise for their pushback that ensured the Flamingos made nothing out of 16 corner kicks.
Coach Bankole Olowookere made three changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Rokibat Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue and Ramotalahi Kareem in place of Onyedikachi Ekezie, Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi.
He restored Effiong and Chidi after the hour, but it took a special effort from Moshood, scorer of the tournament’s fastest goal, to break the hearts of the hosts.
Victory means the Flamingos top their group, three points better than second-placed Ecuador, who walloped New Zealand 4-0 to finish with six points and set up a clash with Spain on Sunday. Caprice Chiuchiolo netted a brace.
