The 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup has officially kicked off in Morocco, marking the first occasion this prestigious youth tournament is hosted on African soil, according to Soccernet.ng.
One of the highlighted opening matches features Nigeria’s Flamingos facing Canada on Sunday evening at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé.
This tournament marks Nigeria’s eighth participation, with the team having reached the semifinals twice and achieving their best finish by securing third place in 2022.
The West African squad has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable teams in the competition, boasting a record of 14 victories, seven draws, and seven losses across 28 matches.
Under the guidance of coach Bankole Olowookere, the Flamingos enter the tournament brimming with confidence following a successful preparation phase.
They remained unbeaten in several domestic friendlies and maintained their form internationally with two warm-up games: a thrilling 3-2 victory over Paraguay and a narrow 4-3 loss to New Zealand. Olowookere’s team is known for their aggressive pressing, quick passing combinations, and bold attacking style.
Nigeria aims to start strongly, especially after fellow African contender Morocco was defeated 3-0 by Brazil in the tournament opener.
The Flamingos recognize that securing a positive result against a well-organized Canadian side could set a strong foundation for their Group D campaign, which also includes France and Samoa.
Canada, meanwhile, returns to the U17 Women’s World Cup for the eighth time after missing the 2022 edition.
Renowned for their tactical discipline and physical style, the Canadians achieved their best finish by placing fourth in 2018. They come into this tournament in good form, having impressed at a four-nation invitational in Mexico, where they drew with both the USA and Mexico (winning one match on penalties) and defeated Costa Rica 2-0.
Qualification Journey
Nigeria was among five African nations to secure qualification for this year’s World Cup, alongside Morocco, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Zambia.
During the African qualifiers, the Flamingos demonstrated their dominance with commanding performances:
- Second Round: Overcame South Africa 5-1 on aggregate (3-0 at home, 2-1 away).
- Third Round: Triumphed 4-0 against Algeria in Ikenne-Remo and held them to a 0-0 draw in Algiers.
The Flamingos’ qualifying campaign showcased their defensive resilience and attacking efficiency, conceding only one goal in four matches.
Canada earned their spot through the CONCACAF U17 Championship, topping Group B with wins over Panama, Puerto Rico, and Nicaragua, scoring ten goals while allowing just two.
The Canadian team has a strong regional pedigree, having won the CONCACAF title once (in 2010) and finishing in the top three in four of the last five tournaments.
Previous Encounters
This match will mark only the second time Nigeria and Canada meet at the U17 level.
Their initial meeting occurred at the 2012 World Cup in Azerbaijan, ending in a 1-1 draw. Canada’s Amandine Pierre-Louis scored first before Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo equalized late in the game.
Nigeria topped that group on goal difference after a record-setting 11-0 win over hosts Azerbaijan, the largest victory in the tournament’s history.
Overall, Nigeria’s record against CONCACAF teams includes three wins, two draws, and one loss, with eight goals scored and five conceded. Canada remains unbeaten in five matches against African opponents, with three wins and two draws, also scoring eight and conceding five.
Squad Updates
Nigeria will be without key forward Chidi Harmony, sidelined due to injury. Harmony was a standout in the 2024 campaign, netting one of the tournament’s most memorable goals.
In her absence, captain Shakirat Moshood is expected to lead the attack.
Moshood was a top performer for Nigeria in the Dominican Republic last year, scoring four goals during the group stage. She has since been nominated for the CAF Young Player of the Year award and will be pivotal to Nigeria’s ambitions in Morocco.
She will be supported by a talented lineup including goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, and forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya.
Canada’s roster blends promising young talents and emerging stars. Six players currently hold Youth Development permits with clubs in the Northern Super League, reflecting the country’s expanding domestic development pathways. Notable names include goalkeeper Olivia Busby (Halifax Tides FC), defenders Naomi Lofthouse (Ottawa Rapid FC) and Bridget Mutipula (Vancouver Rise FC), and forward Melisa Kekic (AFC Toronto).
Additionally, four players are making their national team debuts, while two dual nationals with the United States add further depth and flexibility to the squad.
Match Information
- Event: 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup (Group D)
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Canada
- Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
- Location: Mohammed VI Football Academy, Salé, Morocco
- Kick-off: 5:00 pm (Nigerian Time)
Forecast and Betting Insights
Nigeria’s technical skill and attacking prowess position them as slight favorites, yet Canada’s structured defense and physicality will challenge the Flamingos’ composure. Both teams have demonstrated resilience, suggesting a closely contested match.
Expect Nigeria to control possession, apply high pressure, and exploit gaps behind Canada’s defense through the speed of Moshood and Yahaya. Canada is likely to depend on a compact defensive shape and swift counterattacks.
- Predicted Result: Nigeria 2-1 Canada
- Betting Advice: Both teams to score – Yes; Nigeria to win or draw (Double chance)
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