Bankole Olowookere discovers new gem and four other observations from Flamingos 2-0 win v Liberia

Nigeria progressed to the 2024 FIFA U17 World Cup tournament in Dominican Republic with a 6-1 aggregate  victory over Liberia on Friday evening.

Chidi Harmony scored in both halves to ensure victory over the Liberians in Abuja. She scored first in the fourth minute and again three minutes after the hour mark.

The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup will take place in the Dominican Republic from 16 October to November 3, 2024. It is the first time the Dominican Republic will be hosting a FIFA tournament.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the victory.

1. Liberia fails to threaten Nigeria

Nigeria triumphed in the initial match in Monrovia, Liberia, with a 4-1 scoreline, and then clinched another win in Abuja on Friday, thus ensuring their qualification for the World Cup.

The Liberian team found it challenging to challenge the  Flamingos in Abuja, leading to Nigeria controlling possession and consistently generating scoring opportunities.

Fortunately, the  Flamingos  failed to convert many of these chances, particularly in the first half, where they could have increased their lead beyond just one goal.

2. Flamingos still have work to do before the World Cup

The Flamingos' win ensure their advancement to the 2024 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic. The Flamingos sealed their spot with commanding victories over Liberia, both in Monrovia and at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Nevertheless, the Nigerian team must address various areas for improvement ahead of the global tournament. Coach Olowokere must improve the players' technical abilities before the October event.

The girls must improve their finishing, passing fluidity, reduce instances of indecisiveness and careless turnovers, as formidable opponents will exploit their mistakes.

3. Bankole Olowookere discovers new gem

Nigeria have a history of unearthing football talents from age-grade tournaments in the women's category.

Players like Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie, and Gift Monday all rose through the ranks from such tournaments to join the Super Falcons squad.

Now, another potential star has been discovered by coach Bankole Olowookere - Harmony Chidi, the number nine for the Flamingos.

Chidi has notably scored 12 goals in the qualifying tournament, emerging as a significant goal-scoring threat for Nigeria.

Displaying impressive attributes including pace, strength, and clinical finishing, the youngster has showcased her potential to make a mark on the international stage.

4. Liberia deploys physical approach

The Liberian team struggled to match the tactical and technical prowess of the Flamingos.

Nigeria controlled the game, dictating possession and stifling the Liberian side's ability to play their game.

In an effort to stay competitive, the Liberian team resorted to a physical and aggressive style, much to the frustration of Nigerian fans in the stadium.

This approach led to several Nigerian players enduring tough challenges throughout the match. Prisca Nwachukwu, Afolabi Taiwo, and Harmony Chidi were among those who faced particularly rough tackles during the game.

5. Chidi Harmony denied hat-trick

The Nigerian sensation, Chidi Harmony, was thwarted in her bid to secure a hat-trick for the  Flamingos against Liberia.

Despite scoring two goals against Liberia, the Nigerian striker had two more goals disallowed due to offside calls.

Her first goal, scored in the final minutes of the first half, was ruled out for offside, as was her second goal in the second half. Chidi was substituted by Tosin Olowookere during the latter stages of the second half.

Adeyemi Adewale

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