U17 WWC: Nigeria thrash Samoa, squeeze into knockout stage as best losers

The Flamingos of Nigeria defeated Samoa 4-0 in their final group match at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday to seal passage into the knockout phase.

A brace from Queen Joseph and a goal each from Shakirat Moshood and Azeezat Oduntan were enough to see off the Oceanians in Rabat, Morocco, handing Nigeria a first win in the tournament following defeats to Canada and France.

Joseph was on hand to convert Moshood’s cross for 1-0 in the 13th minute, before the captain turned goalscorer in the 27th minute with a well-placed penalty kick awarded for handball, as Nigeria made it 2-0.

Joseph was the beneficiary of another attack from the wing, the striker slotted home from Nguemo Terlumun’s cross to complete her brace for 3-0 at halftime.

Flamingos completed the big win with the fourth goal in the 67th minute, Oduntan’s mishit cross sailing beyond the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

Victory earned Nigeria three points from three matches in Group D, and the Flamingos squeezed through as one of the four best third-placed teams, awaiting their round of 16 opponent.