Nigeria secured a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory over South Africa in the penultimate round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, advancing to the final round set for next month.
Harmony Chidi, who netted twice in the first leg, extended Nigeria’s dominance by skillfully heading in from a tight angle in the 37th minute, further sealing the fate of the visitors, who had suffered a 1-3 defeat at home.
Shakirat Moshood, who scored a goal in the first leg, was the provider from a well-taken free kick on the right. She turned provider again 11 minutes into the second half, when she found Aishat Animashaun, who lifted the ball over and above Samekelise Mthembu into the net for Nigeria’s second.
Zoe October, Thoriso Mphelo, Khmezi Khoza, and captain Katleho Malebana stood out for the Bantwana, but they struggled to break through Nigeria’s solid defensive line, marshaled by Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Philomena Isaiah, and Favour Iheagwam.
With this victory, the Flamingos advanced to the final round of the qualifiers, where they will face the winner of the Botswana vs. Algeria clash next month.
