Nigeria’s Flamingos endured a difficult start to their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign in Morocco, falling 4-1 to Canada in a game that tested their resolve and exposed defensive weaknesses.
The clash, played at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Salé, near Rabat, began in the worst possible way for the Nigerians.
Barely two minutes in, Molly Hale charged down the left flank and set up Gabriela Istocki, who finished neatly to put Canada ahead. The early goal jolted the Flamingos, but it also generated a response.
Captain Shakirat Moshood led by example, forcing goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse into a fine save with a long-range effort in the 9th minute. Moments later, her volley sailed just over the bar as Nigeria began to dominate possession and push forward.
Their persistence paid off on the half-hour mark when Queen Joseph bundled home the rebound after Cisse failed to hold onto Kaosarat Olanrewaju’s strike. The equaliser restored belief, and the Flamingos went into halftime level and full of intent.
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Second-half collapse undoes bright first half
The Nigerians started the second half with renewed energy, pressing high and looking dangerous on the wings. Chisom Nwachukwu’s 68th-minute cross caused panic in the Canadian box, but the North Americans stood firm.
Just five minutes later, however, the game turned. Substitute Melisa Kekic broke free of her marker and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface to restore Canada’s lead.
From that point, the Flamingos unravelled. Ten minutes from time, Boniface spilled a loose ball under pressure, allowing substitute Julia Amireh to make it 3-1. The same player then punished a weary Nigerian defence six minutes later, racing clear to drive home Canada’s fourth goal.
Despite their best efforts, the West Africans could not recover from the setback. The loss, though disappointing, offered valuable lessons for the young team, who will now regroup ahead of their crucial second group game against France on Wednesday evening.
Tags: Flamingos, Canada, Elizabeth Boniface, U17 Women’s World Cup, #U17WWC, Khadijah Cisse, Queen Joseph, Gabriela Istocki, Molly Hale, Shakirat Moshood, Kaosarat Olanrewaju, Chisom Nwachukwu, Melisa Kekic, Julia Amireh.
