Nigeria’s Flamingos will take on Italy U-17 following their qualification into the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The 2022 bronze medallists sealed their place in the knockout stage with a dominant 4–0 victory over Samoa in Rabat on Saturday.
Queen Joseph was the standout performer, netting twice in the first half and earning FIFA’s Player of the Match award for her exceptional display.
Joseph opened the scoring in the 13th minute, calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Grace Ae after a clever through pass from captain Shakirat Moshood. Moshood then doubled Nigeria’s lead midway through the first half, converting from the penalty spot after Holly Leapai handled the ball inside the box.
The Flamingos’ relentless pressure continued, and in the 34th minute, Nguemo Terlumun dazzled on the right flank before sending in a low cross that Joseph finished neatly for her second goal of the game.
Just before halftime, Joseph and Mariam Yahaya combined smartly, but Ae pulled off another fine save to keep Samoa within reach.
Early in the second half, Nigeria earned another penalty when Terlumun was fouled, but Moshood’s attempt was saved by Ae, who guessed correctly to her right.
Defender Azeezat Oduntan wrapped up the scoring in the 67th minute with a brilliant curled shot from a tight angle to make it 4–0.
Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu preserved the clean sheet with two excellent late saves, ensuring Nigeria advanced with a strong goal difference among the best third-placed teams.
In the group’s other fixture, Canada edged France 2–1 to top Group D with six points. Melisa Kekic opened the scoring for the Canadians before an own goal by Oceane Moreau Tranchant made it 2–0. Lea Morissaint’s header pulled one back for France, but despite Reed Tingley’s late red card, Canada held on for victory.
With renewed confidence and attacking flair, the Flamingos will now look forward to their Round of 16 clash against Italy
