Mariam Yahaya’s hat trick was all Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos needed to continue their fine run of form with a 3–2 victory over Paraguay in their final friendly match played on Tuesday in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
The Flamingos wasted no time in stamping their authority on the game, taking the lead just two minutes after kickoff. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface launched a long ball forward to Shakirat Moshood, who set up Mariam Yahaya for a delightful chip over the Paraguayan goalkeeper to make it 1–0.
Paraguay, however, capitalized on a defensive mix-up in the 15th minute, as Christiana Sunday’s error gifted them an equaliser.
Yahaya restored Nigeria’s lead in the 44th minute with a composed finish before completing her hat-trick barely a minute later after a brilliant assist from Kaosarat Olanrewaju, giving the Flamingos a 3–1 lead going into halftime.
The second half saw the Nigerians maintain control, with Moshood and Ayomide Abubakar testing the Paraguayan goalkeeper, while substitute goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu made crucial saves to keep the team ahead. Paraguay managed to pull one back late in the game, but the Flamingos held on for a well-deserved 3–2 win.
The victory marks Nigeria’s 12th preparatory friendly match, during which they have scored an impressive 50 goals and conceded only six — a testament to their attacking prowess and improving team chemistry.
The Flamingos will now head to Rabat on Wednesday morning to finalise preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on October 17.
Nigeria’s Group D Fixtures:
🇳🇬 vs Canada – October 19, 8:00 p.m.
🇳🇬 vs France – October 22, 8:00 p.m.
🇳🇬 vs New Zealand – October 25, 5:00 p.m.
With confidence soaring and Yahaya in red-hot form, the Flamingos will aim to make a bold statement when the global showpiece begins in Morocco.