Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the quarterfinals of the ongoing Under-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic following an emphatic 4-0 win over Ecuador in their second Group A match.

Following a 4-1 win over New Zealand in their opening group match four days ago, the victory over Ecuador on Saturday night at the Cibao Stadium in Santiago ensured Nigeria’s early qualification to the next round of the competition with one game to spare.

Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring for Nigeria from the spot two minutes before the half hour mark before Nigeria’s highest scorer in the qualifying round Chidi Harmony finally opened her scoring account in the tournament nine months after the break.

After several earlier attempts on goal including a long-range effort that struck the crossbar, the 14-year-old fired Aishat Animashaun pass into the middle of the net to double the advantage for the West African nation.

In the 66th minute Peace Effiong utilised an error from substitute goalkeeper Melany Pozo, who failed to connect her leg well with a back pass from her teammate, which allowed the Nigerian forward to poach the ball into an open net.

Moshood scored her brace of the game and third goal in the tournament so far in the sixth minute of added time as the 16-year-old connected well with Harmony’s pass and latched a left-footed shot into the left side of the goalkeeper.

Nigeria will face hosts Dominican Republic in their final group game at the Felix Sanchez Stadium in Santo Domingo on Wednesday.

The West African finished third in the last edition of the tournament in India two years ago after the Flamingos defeated Germany on penalties in the bronze medal match.