Flamingos crush Niger Republic 9-0 in WAFU U17 opener

Flamingos coach Bankole Olowookere boosts attack with the Super Falcons’ Janet Akekoromowei for the WAFU B tournament. Photo: The Cable

Nigeria’s Flamingos delivered a dominant 9-0 victory over Niger Republic in their opening game at the 2024 WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup on Thursday at the Ghanaian Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE) in Prampram.

Shakirat Moshood netted four goals, Janet Akekoromowei scored a hat-trick, and Peace Effiong and Aisha Animashaun added one each in a one-sided contest.

The Flamingos, a core of the team that recently represented Nigeria at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, showcased their strength despite crashing out in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Under coach Bankole Olowookere, the girls demonstrated their resilience and attacking prowess against the Nigeriens.

Animashaun opened the scoring in the 5th minute, converting a cross from Mary Mamudu at the six-yard box. Two minutes later, Moshood scored a brilliant 35-yard shot to put Nigeria 2-0 up.

Moshood added a second goal in the 13th minute with another long-range effort, and Akekoromowei made it 4-0 shortly after with a clinical finish.

In the 42nd minute, Akekoromowei netted her second goal of the match after a mazy run through the Nigerien defence and sealed her hat-trick with a powerful header just before the break.

Moshood added her fourth goal early in the second half, collecting a long pass and dribbling past the Nigerien goalkeeper. Effiong completed the run with a late goal to bring the final score to 9-0.

The Flamingos will next face Côte d’Ivoire on Monday in their second Group B match.

Writing by Abdullahi Lamino