The Nigerian U17 women’s squad, known as the Flamingos, kicked off their 2025 World Cup journey with a harsh 4-1 loss to Canada at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé on Sunday evening. This marks their most significant opening match defeat in the history of the tournament, according to Soccernet.ng.
Canada wasted no time, scoring within the first 70 seconds as Gabriela Istocki capitalized on a momentary lapse in Nigeria’s defense, slotting home a low cross from close range. This early setback jolted the Nigerian side into action.
Under the guidance of Coach Bankole Olowookere, the Flamingos responded with vigor, applying high pressure, contesting every loose ball, and advancing with speed and determination.
Their persistence bore fruit in the 30th minute when Queen Joseph calmly converted a rebound after Canada’s goalkeeper failed to hold onto a powerful shot from Olamide Olanrewaju.
This equalizer briefly shifted the momentum in Nigeria’s favor. The Flamingos dominated possession, generating 13 shots and earning four corners before halftime, while Canada managed just two shots and no corners. Despite their dominance, Nigeria was unable to add a second goal before the break.
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Second Half Collapse Ends Nigeria’s Impressive Opening Streak
The complexion of the match changed dramatically after the interval.
Canada returned with renewed energy, gradually dominating the midfield battle. Nigeria’s previously solid defensive structure began to falter under sustained pressure.
In the 73rd minute, Melisa Kekic put Canada back in front with a precise strike from the edge of the penalty area, capitalizing on a momentary defensive error by the Flamingos. From that point, Nigeria’s resistance crumbled.
Subsequent mistakes by the Nigerian goalkeeper and defensive lapses allowed Canada’s Amireh to score twice more in the 80th and 86th minutes, completing her brace and sealing a heavy defeat for the African side.
This defeat ended Nigeria’s remarkable nine-year unbeaten run in canada-world-cup-preview-prediction/” title=”Nigeria vs …: Thrilling Preview, Key Stats, Team Updates & Bold Predictions as … Kick Off … Journey”>opening matches at the U17 Women’s World Cup, a streak that had lasted since their 1-0 loss to Brazil in 2016.
Additionally, this was Canada’s first-ever victory against the Flamingos at this level, having previously drawn 1-1 in their only other encounter.
The challenges for African teams at the tournament persisted elsewhere.
Morocco suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brazil, Cameroon narrowly lost 4-3 to the Netherlands, and Zambia fell 2-1 to Paraguay. Ivory Coast’s 1-1 draw with South Korea remains the continent’s only point so far.
Currently, Nigeria sits at the bottom of Group D, with France, who defeated Samoa 4-2 earlier in the day, occupying second place behind Canada.
The Flamingos will next face France on Wednesday, October 22, before concluding their group stage against Samoa on Saturday, October 25.
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