Flamingos crush Samoa 4–0 to reach U17 women’s world cup knockout stage

Flamingos crush Samoa 4–0 to reach U17 women’s world cup knockout stage

Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, bounced back in emphatic fashion on Saturday with a commanding 4–0 victory over Samoa to seal a spot in the second round of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Queen Joseph was the star of the show, netting twice to take her tournament tally to three goals, while captain Shakirat Moshood and defender Azeezat Oduntan added one apiece in a dominant display.

The Flamingos entered the match under pressure, needing a high-margin win to stay alive in the competition after suffering back-to-back defeats — 4–1 to Canada on opening day and 1–0 to France earlier in the week.

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Nigeria got off to a flying start in the 13th minute when Joseph latched onto a precise pass from Moshood and lifted the ball past Samoan goalkeeper Grace Ae.

Moshood doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 27th minute after Holly Leapai handled the ball in the box. Joseph struck again in the 36th minute, finishing off a brilliant run and cross from Nguemo Terlumun.

Despite missing a second penalty early in the second half, Moshood remained influential as Nigeria pressed for more goals. The fourth came in the 67th minute when Oduntan connected with a well-placed cross to seal the win.

Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu also impressed, pulling off two crucial saves to preserve Nigeria’s clean sheet.

The result sees the Flamingos advance to the knockout stage, reigniting hopes of a deep run in the tournament.

Flamingos crush Samoa 4–0 to reach U17 women’s world cup knockout stage