FIFA World Cup bronze medalists, Nigeria have humbled Liberia 4-1 in a fast-paced FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round first leg encounter in faraway Monrovia on Sunday.
The Flamingos got off to a pretty quick start at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex at Paynesville, but the Liberian girls, who shocked Senegal on the away-goal rule to reach this final round, warded off the early threats.
Nigeria got the ball into the net after 14 minutes, but Chadian referee Lare Lamngar ruled it off.
Unfazed, the Flamingos surged forward once more, and in the 19th minute, Shakirat Moshood scored the first goal with a stunning solo run.
Peace Effiong, who got a brace in the 6-0 defeat of Burkina Faso at the MKO Abiola National Stadium last month, scored in the 29th minute to put a wedge of respect between the two teams.
Harmony Chidi, the usual suspect, scored six of the 12 goals that sank the Central African Republic and also netted four in the 7-1 dismissal of Burkina Faso in the last round. She headed home her 11th goal of the qualifying series in the 36th minute to put daylight between both teams.
On resumption, Nigeria continued to dominate, and substitute Blessing Ifitezue made it four with 16 minutes left.
With five minutes left, Liberia scored a consolation goal through Yassah Gwaikolo from the penalty spot after substitute Onyedikachi Ekezie was adjudged to have committed a foul in the area.
The Flamingos will return to Nigeria on Tuesday and immediately commence preparations for the return leg encounter scheduled for Friday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
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