Flamingos Soar into Round of 16 After Dominant 4–0 Win Over Samoa

Nigeria’s Flamingos booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a commanding 4–0 victory over Samoa in their final group game on Friday.

Coach Bankole Olowookere’s young side put on a brilliant attacking display, showing composure, teamwork, and determination to seal qualification as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament.

The Flamingos wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Queen Joseph grabbing a first-half brace that set the tone for Nigeria’s victory. Team captain Shakirat Moshood added a third from the penalty spot before halftime, demonstrating the side’s cutting edge in front of goal.

Although Moshood missed another penalty early in the second half, Azeezat Oduntan put the result beyond doubt with a tidy finish 12 minutes from time to make it 4–0.

With this result, the Flamingos advance to face Italy in the knockout stage — a matchup that promises to test the team’s resilience and tactical depth.

Opinion: Flamingos Show Glimpses of a Bright Future for Nigerian Women’s Football

The Flamingos’ emphatic victory over Samoa wasn’t just about goals — it was about intent and belief. These young girls are playing with the fearlessness that once defined Nigeria’s golden era of women’s football.

Their creativity, pressing, and discipline reflect a new generation ready to carry the torch for the Super Falcons in years to come. What’s even more inspiring is how they bounced back from early setbacks in the group stage to earn their spot in the next round — a true testament to character and determination.

However, as they prepare to face Italy, composure and defensive organization will be crucial. The European side will pose a sterner challenge, but if the Flamingos maintain this momentum and clinical edge, they could yet write another glorious chapter in Nigeria’s youth football history.