Flamingos thrash New Zealand 4-1 in World Cup opener

Flamingos scored three first half goals enroute a 4-1 demolition of New Zealand on Wednesday in their opening fixture of the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup in Dominican Republic.

The Nigerian women’s national team defeated their opponents at the CFC Stadium in Santiago De Los Caballeros, thanks to goals from Shakirat Moshood, Khadijat Adegoke, Friday Abdulwahab and Taiwo Afolabi. Hannah Saxon scored New Zealand’s consolation goal.

Moshood set the team on the path of victory with the opener two minutes into the entertaining encounter. The midfielder powered a low strike inside the penalty area.

A long-range strike from defender Adegoke was fumbled into the net for 2-0 on 13 minutes, while Abdulwahab produced a better strike into the top corner from 25 yards out following a short corner kick routine for a 3-0 scoreline at halftime.

The relentless Flamingos continued to pummel New Zealand and got another goal ten minutes after the restart through Afolabi, team captain, whose looping header nestled into the net.
Afolabi was named man of the match.

Flamingos sit atop Group A with three points while New Zealand are bottom. The Nigerian team will face Ecuador in their second group match on Saturday, October 19.