Shakirat Moshood’s 89th minute goal following a strike from 24 yards out helped Nigeria’s Flamingos to a 1-0 defeat of Dominican Republic, the hosts of FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup late Tuesday in Santo Domingo.
The win in the final match of Group A at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup ensured that Nigeria will face Group B runners-up U.S in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
The Flamingos found the going tough under driving rain against the determined hosts and could not make their overwhelming ball possession count for long.
But with a minute left on the clock Moshood, now with four goals, unleashed a rocket from outside the penalty box for the lone goal.
Home captain Renata Mercedes and goalkeeper Rondon led a famous resistance against Nigeria, who are now one of the elites of the competition, and the hosts deserved praise for their pushback.
It was a performance which ensured the Flamingos made nothing out of 16 corner-kicks.
Nigeria Head Coach Bankole Olowookere made three changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Rokibat Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue and Ramotalahi Kareem, for Onyedikachi Ekezie, Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi.
