Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, cruised to a 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast on Monday in their second match of the inaugural WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup in Accra, with Harmony Chidi scoring all three goals to seal Nigeria’s top position in Group B.

Chidi, who was a key player in Nigeria’s dominant run to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final in the Dominican Republic this year, once again showcased her clinical finishing.

Her hat-trick ensured that Nigeria finished the group stage with a perfect record of two wins from two games, six points, and an impressive 12 goals scored, while conceding just two.

In their opening game on Thursday, the Flamingos had dismantled Niger Republic 9-0, and Monday’s victory over Ivory Coast added to their strong showing in the competition.

Ivory Coast, despite the defeat, still secured second place in the group with three points, having beaten Niger 5-0 in their first match.

The game against Ivory Coast was a thrilling encounter. The Ivorians fought back after Chidi’s first two goals, with Esther Kwame scoring a stunning long-range effort in the 56th minute to give her side a glimmer of hope.

Five minutes later, Ivory Coast reduced the deficit further when Guasam converted a penalty following a foul by Nigeria’s Rokibat Azeez.

However, Chidi’s third goal sealed the win for Nigeria and secured their spot at the top of the group. Ivory Coast finished the group stage with three points, while Niger, without a point and a dismal goal difference of 14 against, failed to advance.

Looking ahead, the Ivorians will face the hosts, Ghana, in the first semi-final of the competition on Thursday.

The second semi-final will feature Nigeria against neighboring Benin Republic. Both matches will take place at the Ghana Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

With their attacking prowess and a standout performance from Chidi, Nigeria will be aiming to continue their dominant run and secure a spot in the final.