Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, made a stunning performance to record a 9-0 win over their Niger Republic in their first match at the WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup, in Ghana.
The Flamingos started brilliantly, with Aishat Animashaun scoring after only five minutes, following an in-swinger by Mary Mamudu.
FIFA World Cup star Shakirat Moshood then started her own song, as she produced a screamer from 35 yards that saw the ball sail above Nigerien goalkeeper Ndiaye Fatai Basiru for the second goal in the 17th minute.
Six minutes later, the ever-relentless Moshood scored her second and Nigeria’s third, assisted by Animashaun, and in the 33rd minute, Janet Akekoromowei made it four by netting from close range.
Akekoromowei escaped the attention of Nigerien defenders in the 42nd minute to power home for Nigeria’s fifth and nicked her hat-trick almost immediately after with a powerful header.
Moshood, not to be outdone before recess, got her hat trick in the 45th minute to make it 7-0 against the hapless neighbours to the north at half-time.
Moshood was on song again just before the hour, collecting the ball high up the pitch and making a solo drive to fire past Ndiaye for her fourth and Nigeria’s eighth.
With 11 minutes left on the clock, Peace Effiong registered her name on the scoresheet, when she fired from outside the box to beat Ndiaye for Nigeria’s ninth goal.
The Flamingos will next take on their counterparts from Cote d’Ivoire on Monday.
