Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, are set to take on Ecuador in their second match of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup this Saturday.
The team heads into the clash with high spirits following a commanding 4-1 victory over New Zealand in their opening game on Wednesday.
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere expressed optimism about the team’s chances, emphasizing their focus on one game at a time.
“Our tournament strategy is to focus on the next match. Now, we have Ecuador in our sights. They may be debutants, but their win over the host nation showed they are not to be underestimated,” Olowookere stated.
The match will be held at the CFC Stadium in Santiago de Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, with kick-off set for 4 p.m. local time (9 p.m. Nigerian time).
Nigeria currently tops Group A, leading on goal difference over Ecuador, who secured a 2-0 victory against the Dominican Republic in their opening game.
Star performers Shakirat Moshood, Taiwo Adegoke, Faridat Abdulwahab, and captain Taiwo Afolabi, who earned the Player of the Match award against New Zealand, will look to replicate their impressive form. Forward Harmony Chidi, Nigeria’s top scorer during the qualifiers with 13 goals, is also eager to get on the scoresheet after being thwarted by the New Zealand defense.
With three points from this encounter likely to seal a spot in the knockout stage, the Flamingos are determined not to let the opportunity slip away.
The match will be streamed live on the FIFA platform, giving fans back home a chance to follow the action.
As Nigeria prepares to face Ecuador, hopes are high for another resounding performance from the young squad.
