Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, saw their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco dim on Wednesday night following a narrow 1–0 defeat to France — their second loss in as many games.

The match began cautiously, with both teams showing defensive discipline and creating limited opportunities in the first half. Nigeria registered four attempts at goal compared to France’s three, though neither side could find a breakthrough.

The Flamingos came close in the first half when Chisom Nwachukwu’s superb free-kick was tipped over the bar by French goalkeeper Chevray Lauryne. Nigeria’s best chance arrived in the 50th minute when Queen Joseph’s corner found Nwachukwu again, but her close-range shot was brilliantly saved by Lauryne.

France nearly took the lead in the 62nd minute after Nigerian goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface misjudged a charge, leaving the goal open. However, defender Jumai Adebayo’s crucial goal-line clearance kept the score level.

The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Maissa Fathallah’s low drive beat Boniface to hand France all three points.

With the defeat, Nigeria remains without a point after two matches and faces Samoa in their final group game — a must-win encounter if the Flamingos are to keep their faint qualification hopes alive.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

After a disappointing 4–1 loss to Canada in their opening Group D fixture, Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, face a crucial test of character when they take on France in their second group match of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Tuesday night in Rabat.

The French side began their campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Samoa 4–2, and now pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage. For the Flamingos, anything short of a win could spell the end of their World Cup journey.

This encounter carries historical weight. The last time both nations met at this tournament was 13 years ago in Azerbaijan, where they played out a goalless draw in regulation time before France triumphed 5–3 on penalties to reach the semi-finals. For Nigeria, that painful memory remains, and Tuesday’s clash offers a chance for long-awaited redemption.

Currently bottom of Group D with zero points and a -3 goal difference, the Flamingos know that defeat would eliminate them mathematically. A draw might keep faint hopes alive, but a victory would completely revive their campaign ahead of the final group game against Samoa.

Coach Bankole Olowookere will be urging his girls to tighten their defense and sharpen their transitions after costly errors against Canada. While Nigeria showed attacking intent and managed a goal in their opener, lapses at the back proved decisive.

France, known for their pace, tactical discipline, and fluid attacking play, will start as favorites. However, Nigeria’s young talents are determined to defy the odds and restore national pride.

Kick-off is set for 8:00 p.m. local time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in Rabat. For the Flamingos, this match is not just about points—it’s about belief, redemption, and survival.

 Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

It was a grim Sunday for Nigerian football as the country suffered two major defeats within hours.

Barely after Remo Stars were thrashed 5-1 by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League, the national U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, fell 4-1 to Canada in their opening match of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Group D encounter, played at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) in Salé, near Rabat, saw the Canadians dominate proceedings, particularly in the second half.

Canada took the lead as early as the second minute when Molly Hale made a strong run down the left flank before Gabriela Istocki finished off her cross to put the North Americans ahead.

The Flamingos, however, responded well. They took control of the midfield, with captain Shakirat Moshood testing goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse with a long-range drive in the 9th minute and firing another effort just over the bar four minutes later.

Nigeria’s persistence paid off on the half hour mark when Cisse failed to hold on to a shot from Kaosarat Olanrewaju, allowing Queen Joseph to bundle in the rebound for the equalizer.

After the break, the Flamingos started brightly, with Chisom Nwachukwu troubling the Canadian defence, but their momentum waned as the match wore on. In the 73rd minute, substitute Melisa Kekic restored Canada’s lead with a composed finish past Elizabeth Boniface.

Goalkeeper Boniface’s error in the 80th minute allowed another substitute, Julia Amireh, to make it 3-1 before Amireh struck again six minutes later, outpacing the Nigerian defence to slot in Canada’s fourth goal.

The result leaves Nigeria bottom of Group D after the first round of matches. The Flamingos will hope to revive their campaign when they face France on Wednesday evening.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H