By SCM Staff Writer I Saturday, Oct.25, 2025
RABAT, Morocco — The Flamingos are flying high once more! Nigeria’s U17 Women’s team dragged themselves back from the brink of elimination last night, delivering a stunning 4-0 masterclass against Samoa to snatch a precious spot in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Round of 16.
The African giants knew they needed a huge winning margin after earlier defeats to Canada and France left their tournament dreams hanging by a thread. But they didn’t just win—they conquered.
The drama kicked off in the 13th minute when Queen Joseph, the tournament’s new sensation, latched onto a superb pass from captain Shakirat Moshood. Joseph lifted the ball brilliantly over the scrambling Samoan keeper, Grace Ae, to fire the first shot in the Nigerian resurgence.
Just fourteen minutes later, Captain Moshood stepped up to the spot to double the advantage, coolly converting a penalty after Samoa’s Holly Leapai was caught handling the ball from a corner. Moshood sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, keeping Nigerian hearts beating fast.
The relentless Nigerian attack, spearheaded by the constantly buzzing Nguemo Terlumun, pressed for the killer goal. Terlumun, a constant thorn in the Samoan defence, danced past the rearguard in the 36th minute and delivered a perfect cross back to Joseph, who made no mistake, knocking it home for her second of the night and Nigeria’s third!
While Moshood missed a chance to net a second penalty just after the restart—a minor hiccup in an otherwise perfect performance—the job was ultimately sealed by an unlikely hero.
Defender Azeezat Oduntan secured the stunning 4-0 victory in the 67th minute, scoring a sweet, sensational strike straight from the wing that left the keeper rooted.
The clean sheet was protected by brilliant shot-stopper Sylvia Echefu, who denied Samoa with two terrific saves to ensure the goal difference stayed firmly in Nigeria’s favour.
The hard-fought win ensures the 2022 bronze medallists are still in the hunt for glory in Morocco. The Flamingos are back, and they mean business!
