U-17 WWC: Nigeria see off gallant Dominican Republic to top the group

A late wonder goal from Shakirat Moshood broke the hosts’ dogged resistance as the Flamingos set up a second straight quarterfinal clash with USA.

For 89 minutes, a combination of the post, the bar, wayward Nigerian finishing and keeper Jaylene Rondon had the Dominican Republic on course for a famous point against one of the powerhouse nations at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

In the end their hearts were broken by a late wonder strike from one of the stars of the tournament but not before they’d put up a fabulous, rearguard, resistance. The final shot tally read 36-3 in favour of Nigeria, the corners ran 16-0 and the hosts rarely ventured outside their own half but they defended like their lives depended upon it.

Dominican keeper Rondon had the game of her life, thwarting Nigeria time and time again but there was little she could do with the strike that settled it. New adidas Golden Boot leader Moshood collecting the ball 25 yards from goal, teeing it up on her left and launching a rocket that flew past Rondon a minute from the end of regulation time.

Nigeria ending the group phase with three straight wins to set up a second straight quarterfinal bout with USA while Dominican Republic finish with just the one point but plenty of new admirers and belief for the future.