Nigeria’s Flamingos got off to a disappointing start at the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Canada in their opening Group D match on Sunday.
The team, who finished third in the 2022 edition, were tipped to challenge the Canadians but fell behind just two minutes into the game when Gabriela Istocki converted from a precise pass by Molly Hale.
Nigeria managed to equalise in the 30th minute through Queen Joseph, who bundled the ball over the line to restore hope for Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side. The first half ended level at 1-1, leaving fans expecting a stronger second-half performance from the Flamingos.
However, defensive lapses proved costly after the break as Canada took full control, scoring three times in a blistering 13-minute spell. Melisa Kekic restored the lead for the North Americans in the 73rd minute before Nigerian goalkeeper Boniface failed to deal with a loose ball, allowing Julia Amireh to pounce for Canada’s third goal in the 80th minute.
Amireh struck again six minutes later, finishing off a swift counterattack to complete her brace and seal a dominant win for coach Jen Herst’s side.
The result leaves Canada at the top of Group D with three points, ahead of France, while Nigeria sit at the bottom of the table without a point. The Flamingos will now aim to bounce back when they face France on Wednesday, before rounding off their group campaign against Samoa on Saturday.
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals in the previous edition of the tournament and were expected to make another strong showing, but their opening performance has left much to be improved.
What You Should Know
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, started their World Cup campaign with a heavy 4-1 loss to Canada. Despite Queen Joseph’s first-half equaliser, three quick second-half goals exposed defensive weaknesses.
The defeat leaves Nigeria at the bottom of Group D ahead of crucial matches against France and Samoa, as Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side look to reignite their qualification hopes.
