Nigeria got off to a fast start with a 4-1 win over New Zealand in their first group match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Africans took the lead in just two minutes at the CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros and increased the lead to 3-0 within 30 minutes.
Overall, New Zealand outperformed in terms of possession, territory and shots on goal.
The Nigerians had 32 shots on goal compared to New Zealand’s three.
Nigeria, who won the bronze medal at the last FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup held in India, took control in the second minute with Harmony Chidi setting up Shakirat Moshood’s opening goal.
Kadijat Adegoke extended Nigeria’s lead to two points in the 13th minute with a shot that slipped through the hands of New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Neary.
Faridat Abdulwahab scored Nigeria’s third goal in the 28th minute from a Moshood corner kick, scoring from outside the New Zealand penalty area.
Nigeria scored their fourth goal early in the second half when midfielder Taiwo Afolabi headed a cross from Adegoke into the net.
Hannah Saxon turned and took a shot to score New Zealand’s goal.
New Zealand finally got on the scoresheet after an hour when Hannah Saxon converted Ella Jerez’s corner kick into the net.
Taiwo Afolabi (Nigeria) won the Most Valuable Player Award.
New Zealand’s remaining group games in the Dominican Republic will be against the host nation and Ecuador.
Main photo: New Zealanders celebrate after scoring a repechage goal. Photo courtesy of FIFA/Getty Images.
Match statistics (New Zealand / Nigeria)
Possession: 36% / 64% Shots: 3 / 32 Shots on target: 1 / 10 Passes: 307 / 553 Successful passes: 53% / 76% Corner kicks: 2 / 11 Free kicks: 6 / 6 New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Neary keeps busy in Nigeria’s attack. Photo courtesy of FIFA/Getty Images. result
The match is scheduled to take place on Thursday 17 October 2024 (New Zealand time)
New Zealand 1 (Hannah Saxon 60′)
Nigeria 4 (Shakirat Moshood 2 minutes, Khadijat Adegoke 13 minutes, Faridat Abdulwahab 28 minutes, Taiwo Afolabi 55 minutes)
dominican republic
ecuador
*Results announced, 12pm kick-off (NZ time)
lineup
new zealand
Brooke Neary, Charlie Dunn, Michaela Bangalan, Emily Humphrey, Alisha Eglinton, Hannah Saxon (Charlie March 66′), Amber de Witt (Morgan 78′), Katie Pugh (Grace Bartlett 57) ), Millie Loxton (Nat Young 46′), Ella Jerez, Katie Chellenbron (Mary Brown 57′)
Subs not used: Sophie Campbell, Harriet Muller, Madison Sawkins, Pia Vrock, Laura Bennett.
Head Coach: Alana Gunn
Nigeria
Christiana Uzoma, Kadijat Adegoke, Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Onyedikachi Ekeji, Faridat Abdulwahab (Muinat Rotimi 85 minutes), Shakirat Moshood, Taiwo Afolabi, Harmony Chidi (Ramotarahi) Kareem 85 minutes), Aisha Animashaun (Blessing Ifitezue 78 minutes), Peace Effiong.
Subs were not used: Sylvia Echefu, Elizabeth Boniface, Anike Azeez, Prisca Nwachukwu, Axiata Isiaka, Funke Arogundade, Oghenemairo Obulute.
Head Coach: Bankole Olowokere
official
Referee: Olatz Rivera Olmedo (Spain)
Assistant referees: Gabriel Lemieux (Canada), Katarzyna Wasiak (USA)
Fourth officer: Alina Pesu (Romania)
equipment
The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday 20 October 2024 (New Zealand time)
Dominican Republic v New Zealand
Cibao University Stadium, Santiago de los Caballeros, 12pm (NZ time)
The match is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 23 October 2024 (New Zealand time)
Ecuador v New Zealand
Cibao University Stadium, Santiago de los Caballeros, 12pm (NZ time)
This article was first published on October 17, 2024.
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