Nigeria’s bid for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup title was halted on Saturday night, as the United States claimed a 2-0 victory in their quarter-final clash in the Dominican Republic. The 2022 bronze medalists saw their hopes dashed by two well-timed goals, one in each half, that secured the USA’s place in the tournament’s semi-finals.
Coach Bankole Olowookere faced a setback early on, as three of his key players were forced off the field with injuries during the first half.
Forward Blessing Ifitezue was the first casualty, making way for Peace Effiong.
Soon after, Onyedikachi Ekezie, Nigeria’s left-back, was substituted due to injury, with Rokibat Azeez stepping in.
Defender Jumai Adebayo also sustained an injury but was able to continue after receiving brief medical attention on the pitch.
In the match’s early stages, Nigerian forward Harmony Chidi, who was the top scorer in the African qualifiers, struggled to find her range on set pieces.
Her free-kick attempts were off-target, sailing too high in the 9th minute and missing again in the 28th.
Meanwhile, the USA was pressing forward with intent.
In one of the game’s first serious threats, Mary Long forced Nigeria’s goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma into action with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area, which Uzoma parried away for a corner.
The USA’s breakthrough came in the 43rd minute, as Fuller coolly converted a penalty after Nigerian defender Shakirat Moshood committed a foul in the box.
Just before halftime, Nigeria narrowly avoided a second goal when Adebayo cleared a USA attempt off the line, keeping the score within reach as the first half ended.
The second half brought renewed efforts from Nigeria, and Captain Taiwo Afolabi came close to leveling the score.
In the 64th minute, Afolabi capitalized on a defensive lapse, seizing the ball and charging toward goal, but her shot was blocked, leading to a corner rather than a goal.
Despite Nigeria’s determination, the USA’s defense held firm, keeping their lead intact.
In the 71st minute, the USA threatened again, with Fuller narrowly missing a chance to extend the lead.
Three minutes later, the USA doubled their advantage.
After Afolabi was fouled in midfield, the Americans executed a swift counter-attack, culminating in a well-placed through ball to Kim Ascanio.
Ascanio skillfully slotted the ball between Uzoma’s legs, sealing the 2-0 scoreline.
The loss marks the end of Nigeria’s campaign at this year’s tournament, despite their spirited play and resilience against formidable opposition.
For the USA, the victory advances them into the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of the U17 Women’s World Cup title.
