Nigeria continued their impressive run at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Ecuador in their second group game.
A second consecutive victory following the 4-1 win against New Zealand, secured Nigeria’s spot in Round of 16 with a game to spare.
The Cibao Stadium crowd saw the Flamingos take control of the match after a penalty was awarded in the 27th minute, following a foul on captain Taiwo Afolabi inside the box.
Shakirat Moshood calmly converted from the spot, putting Nigeria ahead 1-0. Moshood’s goal gave the team momentum as they pressed Ecuador’s defense.
Despite having two goals disallowed for offside, Harmony Chidi finally found the back of the net in the 54th minute after a well-timed assist from Peace Effiong, doubling Nigeria’s lead.
Effiong, who was a constant threat throughout the game, got on the scoresheet herself in the 66th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Ecuador.
Moshood sealed the win in stoppage time with her second goal of the match, bringing her tournament tally to three.
Ecuador had little opportunity to respond.
Nigeria now sits atop their group with six points from two matches, having earlier defeated New Zealand 4-1 in their first match.
They will face host nation Dominican Republic in their final group game.