Flamingos fall 4–1 to Canada in FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup opener
Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, suffered a tough start to their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign in Morocco, falling 4–1 to Canada in their opening Group D match on Sunday.
The encounter at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Salé, near Rabat, saw Canada take the lead just two minutes in. Molly Hale’s surging run down the left flank set up Gabriela Istocki, who calmly slotted home to stun the Nigerian side.
The Flamingos responded with determination, gradually taking control of the midfield. Captain Shakirat Moshood tested Canadian goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse with a long range effort in the 9th minute, and moments later, her volley narrowly missed the target. Chisom Nwachukwu also forced a save from Cisse as Nigeria pressed for an equalizer.
Their persistence paid off in the 30th minute when Kaosarat Olanrewaju’s shot was spilled by Cisse, allowing Queen Joseph to pounce and level the score.
Nigeria returned from the break with renewed energy, and Nwachukwu’s dangerous cross in the 68th minute was punched away by Cisse. But Canada regained control five minutes later when substitute Melisa Kekic broke free and fired past goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface to make it 2–1.
The Canadians extended their lead in the 80th minute after Boniface failed to hold onto a loose ball, allowing Julia Amireh to tap in. Amireh struck again six minutes later, racing past the Nigerian defence and finishing clinically to seal the 4–1 win.
