Flamingos Lose 2-1 To Poland In FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Opener
Nigeria’s Flamingos suffered a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening Group B match at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Saturday, despite a late fightback that threatened to rescue a point.
Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted a first-half penalty before Natalia Skrok doubled Poland’s lead in the 65th minute. Nigeria pulled one back late in the game, but Poland held on to claim all three points at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.
Both teams enjoyed spells of possession during the opening 30 minutes before Poland were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute. Following a review by the Video Support system, the referee pointed to the spot after an incident involving a Nigerian defender and a Polish attacker.
Skrzypczak stepped up and converted the penalty to give Poland the lead, which they carried into half-time.
Nigeria needed a response after the break, but Poland threatened to extend their advantage in the 63rd minute. The effort was initially celebrated as a goal before being ruled out for offside.
The reprieve proved brief for the Flamingos, as Skrok made it 2-0 two minutes later, capitalising on a poor clearance by the Nigerian defence to fire home.
Nigeria coach Akeem Busari responded with a double substitution in the 68th minute, introducing Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru for Harmony Chidi and Mary Dunstan.
He made two further changes ten minutes later, bringing on Kanyinsola Yusuf and Precious Oscar for Queen Joseph and Adesuyi in an attempt to revive Nigeria’s attacking threat.
The changes gave the Flamingos renewed impetus, and Nigeria pulled a goal back in the 79th minute. Umejiaku was credited with the goal after her inviting free-kick from the right evaded everyone in the penalty area and curled into the far corner.
The goal set up a tense finish as Nigeria pushed for an equaliser. The Flamingos appealed for a penalty in the 86th minute following an incident involving Kemi Adegbuyi, but the referee upheld her original decision after another review.
Nigeria continued to press in the closing stages but could not find a second goal, as Poland held on to secure victory. Skrok was named Player of the Match.
The Flamingos will seek to bounce back when they face Puerto Rico in their next Group B fixture on Tuesday, October 20, before taking on Korea DPR on Friday, October 23.
