Nigeria’s Flamingos produced a stunning performance to defeat Ecuador 4-0 to book a place in the quarter-finals of the competition with a game to spare.
With the 4-1 win over New Zealand in their first match, the Flamingos have earned maximum six points in their first two matches, with eight goals for and only one against.
Energetic playmaker Shakirat Moshood, who scored one of the tournament’s fastest goals with her 80-second strike against New Zealand on Wednesday, sent the very busy goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, after Captain Taiwo Afolabi was fouled in the box.
Pacy forward Peace Effiong, who had seen her shot saved by the right leg of Rodriguez in the 18th minute, was disappointed to see her effort again denied by the big goalkeeper on the half hour.
Harmony Chidi, scorer of 13 goals in the qualifying series, rocked the crossbar just before the half-time whistle.
In the second half, Chidi finally found her first goal of the tournament, picking her spot cleverly in the 54th minute to score after a pass by Aishat Animashaun.
Peace Effiong also scored her first goal of the competition, latching on to a faulty clearance of a backpass by substitute goalkeeper Pozo.
Flamingos scored the fourth goal in added time, as Moshood picked her spot to lash home after Chidi found her from the right.
Nigeria will take on the host nation on Tuesday night.
