June 10, (THEWILL)- The Nigeria U17 women’s national team, nicknamed the Flamingos, kicked off their 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign on a high note. They defeated hosts Liberia 4-1 in the first leg final round fixture on Sunday, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia.
Coach Bankole Olowokoore fielded an unchanged line-up from the team that thumped Burkina Faso last month. After an early disallowed goal, Shakirat Moshood and Peace Effiong scored to give Nigeria a 2-0 lead. Chidi Harmony’s 36th-minute strike made it 3-0 before half-time, putting the Flamingos firmly in control.
The second half saw one change of personnel for each side. Substitute Blessing Ifitezeu extended Nigeria’s lead to 4-0 in the 74th minute. Liberia pulled one back from the penalty spot late on, but the damage was done as the Flamingos earned a commanding advantage heading into Friday’s second leg in Abuja.
The prolific Chidi Harmony has now scored 10 goals in five qualifying matches for the Flamingos, who have amassed 23 goals. A draw in the return leg will see them through to the 2024 U17 Women’s World Cup finals.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
