USA to meet Nigeria in U-17 Women’s World Cup Quarterfinals

MIAMI – After finishing second in Group B at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the United States will meet Nigeria in the quarterfinals on Saturday at CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.

The U.S. began its campaign with a loss to defending champions Spain but bounced back with wins over Colombia and Korea Republic to finish top two in its group. Goalkeeper Evan Osteen earned two clean sheets to lead the defensive efforts for the Stars and Stripes in the closing stretch of the group stage.

The USA offense has found its rhythm as the tournament progressed, scoring one goal in the opening match, three goals in its second encounter, and exploding with a five-goal performance in its group stage finale. Melanie Barcenas is the leading scorer for the United States with three goals, including a brace against Korea Republic.

Three straight wins lifted Nigeria to the top of the table in Group A, allowing them to show the young talent of the Super Falcons. The team scored nine goals and reached the back of the net in every game they contested. Shakirat Moshood is the nation’s top scorer with four goals in the current campaign.

Another great asset for Nigeria is its defensive line, allowing only one goal in the group stage. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma delivered two clean sheets in the matches against Ecuador and the Dominican Republic.

This will be the second time the two nations face each other in a U-17 Women’s World Cup quarterfinals round. The last time happened in the previous edition, at India 2022, when Nigeria advanced 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

The winner of the encounter will advance to the semifinals to face either Korea DPR or Poland on Wednesday at CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros.