U17 WWC: Nigeria vs Dominican Republic Preview

Having secured a quarter-final berth in the ongoing U17 Women’s World Cup, following wins over New Zealand and Ecuador, Nigeria’s U17 girls will look to finish off in style when they take on the host Nation Dominican Republic on Wednesday at 00:00 hours at Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez, Santo Domingo.

Bankole Olowookere’s side began impressively, defeating New Zealand 4-1 and thumping their South American competitors, Ecuador 4-0. The Flamingos, 2022 bronze medalists in India, have amassed six points from a possible nine, scoring eight goals, keeping a clean sheet and conceding just one goal.

Coach Bankole Olowookere has a pool of talents to work with, including the highest goal scorer after two games, Shakirat Moshood who had scored three goals and Harmony Chidi who won the player of the match in the 4-0 win over Ecuador. Speaking ahead of today’s clash, the gaffer said:

L-R Shakirat Moshood celebrates after scoring in the U17 Women’s World Cup; Harmony Chidi poses with her Player of the Match plaque against Ecuador

” You do not change a winning team, despite that, in technical play we can do one or two things, that is the area we are working on.

…I’m a tactical coach but at the same time, I’m a parent, balance both together to get the best result for the Nation.”

Opponents, Dominican Republic struggled initially, losing 2-0 to Ecuador, but showed resilience in a 1-1 draw against New Zealand, courtesy of Yuleinis Pinales’s equalizer.

Nigeria’s U17 girls strive to surpass their 2022 quarter-final achievement and previous round-of-eight finishes in 2010, 2012 and 2014, aiming for the ultimate prize and will not rest on their laurels when they take on the Dominican Republic in their final group stage game.

The Flamingos have participated in every edition since the competition’s 2008 inception