U.S. Ends Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s World Cup Run with 2-0 Quarterfinal Win, Knocking Out Flamingos

| By Adejumo Adekunle –

The United States ended Nigeria’s bid for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, defeating the Flamingos 2-0 in their quarterfinal match at CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros on Saturday. American players Katharine Fuller and Kimball Ascanio scored the decisive goals, sealing the win and avenging their 2022 quarterfinal loss to Nigeria.

Fuller opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with a penalty, and Ascanio doubled the lead in the 74th minute to ensure the U.S. victory. Nigeria’s impressive tournament run, where they swept through their group stage with wins over New Zealand, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, concluded with this quarterfinal loss.

Despite Nigeria’s attempts to shift momentum with substitutions by Coach Bankole Olowookere, the Americans maintained control, with their tactical adjustments proving successful. This defeat closed Nigeria’s tournament campaign, a hard-fought journey marked by strong performances and high hopes.