The Flamingos secured a comfortable win over their Liberian counterparts but will seal qualification for the U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup if they avoid a heavy defeat in the second leg.
Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s National Team took a commanding 4-1 lead over Liberia in the first leg of their final qualifying round for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The game which was played on Sunday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia, saw the Flamingos take the initiative early.Liberia, who surprised many by reaching this stage, held their ground in the opening exchanges. However, they could have fallen behind, but for a disallowed goal in the 14th minute.
Peace and Harmony continue their impressive runs
The Flamingos, led by Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi, determined to get a good result found the breakthrough in the 19th minute through a well-executed solo run by Shakirat Moshood.
Fresh off her brace in the previous round, Peace doubled the lead ten minutes later as the Flamingos continued their dominance with Harmony, the team’s top scorer in the qualifiers, adding a header just before halftime.
The second half mirrored the first, with Nigeria controlling possession and creating chances. Substitute Blessing Ifitezue put the game out of reach for the Liberians, with a goal in the 74th minute.
Liberia did manage a consolation goal from the penalty spot five minutes from time, but it proved too little, too late.
The Flamingos looking to secure their place in the World Cup finals return to Nigeria with a comfortable lead for the second leg scheduled for Friday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.