In this year’s WAFU U17 ladies’ Cup, which is being held in Ghana, Nigeria’s U17 ladies, known as the Flamingos, gave it their all to defeat their Niger Republic counterparts 9-0.
The Flamingos got off to a fantastic start when Mary Mamudu’s in-swinger led to a goal from Aishat Animashaun just five minutes later.
Then, in the 17th minute, Shakirat Moshood, a FIFA World Cup star, began her own song by producing a screamer from 35 yards out, which caused the ball to sail above Nigerien goalie Ndiaye Fatai Basiru for the second goal.
With Animashaun’s help, Moshood scored her second goal and Nigeria’s third six minutes later.
Janet Akekoromowei added a close-range goal in the 33rd minute to make it four.
In the 42nd minute, Akekoromowei managed to go past the Nigerien defense and score Nigeria’s fifth goal.
She nearly immediately followed up with a strong header to complete her hat-trick.
Not to be outdone before the break, Moshood scored her own hat-trick in the 45th minute to put the unfortunate neighbors to the north behind them 7-0 at the half.
Peace Effiong chose to put her name on the scoreboard with eleven minutes remaining when she beat Ndiaye with a shot from outside the box to give Nigeria their ninth goal.
The Flamingos’ second group game will be against Cote d’Ivoire on Monday.
