U-17 WWC: New Zealand Coach Alana Gunn Reflects on 4-1 Loss to Nigeria
New Zealand coach, Alana Gunn has responded to her team’s disappointing 4-1 loss to Nigeria in their opening match of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Young Football Ferns faced a challenging start, conceding three goals within the first 28 minutes of the game, which set the tone for the match.
Nigeria’s early dominance was evident as Shakirat Moshood, Khadijat Adegoke, and Faridat Abdulwahab each found the back of the net during that critical period. Their offensive pressure proved overwhelming for New Zealand, leaving the Oceania champions struggling to regain their footing.
Talented playmaker Taiwo Afolabi extended Nigeria’s lead with a fourth goal in the 55th minute. Although New Zealand managed to score through Hannah Saxon at the hour mark, it was not enough to change the outcome of the match. Gunn emphasized the significance of the goal for her team, noting that it would be a memorable moment for Saxon.
Looking ahead, New Zealand is set to face the tournament hosts, the Dominican Republic, in their next match. The Young Football Ferns will be aiming to bounce back and improve their performance as they continue in the competition.
