Nigeria’s Flamingos are set to return to the pitch for a clash against USA in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The two teams last met in the same stage during the 2022 edition in India, where Nigeria secured third place, but this time the Flamingos are determined to improve on that achievement.
The Flamingos have shown strong form in this tournament, beginning their campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over New Zealand.
Shakirat Abidemi Moshood opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, converting a pass from Harmony Chidi.
Khadijat Taiwo Adegoke added a second goal in the 13th minute, assisted by Faridat Abdulwahab, who then scored Nigeria’s third in the 28th minute.
Taiwo Tewogbola Afolabi capped off the scoring for the Flamingos in the 55th minute, with New Zealand pulling one back through Hannah Aimee Saxon in the 60th minute.
In their second group game, the Flamingos recorded a convincing 4-0 victory over Ecuador. Moshood once again opened the scoring, this time from the penalty spot in the 28th minute.
Chidera Harmony Chidi made it 2-0 in the 54th minute, with Peace Mary Effiong adding a third in the 66th minute. Moshood then completed her brace in stoppage time, sealing the win.
The Flamingos’ final group match saw them edge a determined Dominican Republic side 1-0, thanks to Moshood’s stunning 24-yard goal in the 89th minute, securing their place at the top of the group.
The USA Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team also had a strong run, despite an opening 3-1 loss to reigning champions Spain.
The Americans bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Colombia in their second group match. In their final group game, they easily dispatched Korea Republic 5-0, with Melanie Barcenas scoring twice to help the team advance to the quarterfinals.
Nigeria vs USA – Date, Time and Where to Watch
The highly anticipated quarterfinal between Nigeria and the USA is scheduled for Saturday, 26th of October, 2024.
The match will take place at the Estadio Félix Sánchez, with kickoff set for 8:30 PM Nigerian time. Fans can catch the action live on FIFA Plus and StarTimes.