FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup: Flamingos fall to France but knockout hopes still alive

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to France in their second Group E match at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Despite the setback, the team remains mathematically in contention for a place in the round of 16.

The match, played in Morocco, was a tense and evenly contested affair for much of the evening. Both sides showed attacking intent, but defensive discipline kept the scoreline goalless through the first half.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface was particularly impressive, making a crucial kick save to deny Luna Laboucarie and keep the Flamingos in the game.

However, France eventually found the breakthrough late in the second half. A low strike from Maissa Fathallah beat Boniface and proved to be the decisive moment in a match that had offered few clear cut chances.

The goal secured France’s qualification to the round of 16 and left Nigeria needing a win in their final group match to keep their hopes alive.

The Nigerians could still qualify as one of the four best third placed teams from the six groups advance along with the six group winners and six runners-up.