Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Samoa to secure a place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Queen Joseph scored twice, while Azeezat Oduntan and captain Shakirat Moshood added one goal each, ensuring the Flamingos advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
To qualify for the next stage, Nigeria needed to beat the Oceania side by at least two goals.
They did in style, beginning with Joseph, who found the net just 13 minutes into the game.
Three minutes before the half-hour mark, Moshood made it two for the West Africans in Morocco.
She converted from the spot after a VAR review, sending the Samoan goalkeeper the wrong way.
By the time it was 34 minutes on the clock, Joseph completed her brace, finishing off a brilliant assist from Tabitha Terlumu.
Moshood would have gotten her brace just two minutes into the second half.
READ ALSO: Super Falcons beat Benin 2-0
But her 47th-minute penalty was saved by the Samoan goalkeeper, Grace Ae.
Oduntan, nevertheless, struck beautifully — sending the ball to the top far corner — in the 68th minute to make it four for Nigeria.
The Flamingos pressed on for a fifth goal and could have done so on many occasions.
But they finished the game 0-4, enough to reach the Round of 16. Nigeria ended with a +3 goal difference.
Victory meant Nigeria finished third in Group D, with Canada securing first place in the group after defeating France 2-1.
Nigeria will face Korea DPR in their next game on Tuesday.
