Boluwatife Kehinde
Qualification for the knockout phase hangs in the balance as Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, finds themselves without any points after suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat to France at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The loss in Rabat on Wednesday night followed a heavy 4-1 defeat in their opening match against Canada.
France secured their victory with an 81st-minute goal from Maïssa Fathallah, who capitalised on a rebound after goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface was unable to clear the ball.
The Flamingos started the match brightly, applying pressure and defending more effectively against their European opponents. However, despite creating a few promising opportunities, they failed to convert any chances, with the French defense and goalkeeper holding firm.
Unfortunately, the Nigerians were punished late in the game, as Fathallah’s goal sealed the win for France, leaving Nigeria at the bottom of Group D without any points from two matches.
In response to the defeat, Coach Olowookere expressed his disappointment, stating that it was heartbreaking to concede late in the game.
“The performance against France was much better than the one against Canada. If we had shown the same level of fight in that first game, I don’t think we would be in this situation,” Olowookere said. “It’s really unfortunate to concede that late goal; it was painful and heartbreaking. We’ll keep working hard and see if we can earn something from our next match to stay in the tournament.”
To progress to the next stage, the Flamingos must win their final group game against Samoa on Saturday, October 25, to have any chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.
