Nigeria’s Flamingos stormed into the Round of 16 at the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup after a commanding 4–0 victory over Samoa on Saturday.
Queen Joseph was the star of the show, netting twice, while Azeezat Oduntan and captain Shakirat Moshood also found the back of the net to confirm Nigeria’s progression as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Knowing they needed at least a two-goal margin to advance, the Flamingos started brightly while Joseph opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Moshood doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 27th minute following a VAR review.
Joseph struck again in the 34th minute, finishing off a precise pass from Tabitha Terlumu to give Nigeria a comfortable 3–0 lead.
The second half saw Moshood miss a chance to extend the lead when her penalty in the 47th minute was saved by Samoan goalkeeper Grace Ae. However, Oduntan sealed the victory in the 68th minute with a brilliant strike into the top corner.
Despite several late opportunities for a fifth goal, Nigeria cruised to a +3 goal difference to secure third place in Group D. Canada topped the group with a 2–1 win over France.
The Flamingos will next face Korea DPR in the Round of 16 on Tuesday.
