Nigeria’s Harmony Chidi delivered an exceptional performance in their second match of the WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup, securing a stunning hat-trick to lead Nigeria to a 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast in Accra on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Chidi, who had already impressed with 13 goals in the Flamingos’ successful run to the 2023 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, continued her goal-scoring form to propel Nigeria to the top of Group B in this inaugural competition.
Having dominated their opening match with a resounding 9-0 victory over Niger Republic on Thursday, the Flamingos finished the group stages with a perfect six points, scoring 12 goals and conceding just two. Ivory Coast, with a 5-0 victory over Niger, finished in second place with three points, seven goals for, and three goals against. Niger, on the other hand, endured a difficult campaign, finishing with zero points and a goal difference of -14.
The victory secured Nigeria’s place at the top of Group B, where they will now face neighbors Benin Republic in the second semi-final on Thursday. This match follows the first semi-final between the host nation, Ghana’s Black Maidens, and Ivory Coast.
For Ivory Coast, Esther Kwame and Guasam were standout performers in their match against Nigeria. Kwame scored with a long-range shot in the 56th minute, while Guasam converted from the penalty spot five minutes later, making it a more competitive game after a foul by Nigeria’s Rokibat Azeez. The Ivorian duo will be crucial in their upcoming semi-final against Ghana as they aim to challenge for a place in the final.
As the tournament progresses, both Nigeria and Ivory Coast will look to build on their momentum, with Nigeria being the favorites given their dominant form in the group stage.
Oluwayemi Omolagba
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