Nigeria’s Flamingos began their campaign at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on a disappointing note after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Canada at the Mohammed VI Football Academy pitch on Sunday.
The Nigerian side, coached by Bankole Olowookere, conceded three late goals, including two in the final 10 minutes, to start their Group D journey with a heavy loss.
Canada drew first blood in the second minute when Gabriella Istocki capitalised on a defensive lapse. A slick run to the byline ended with a low cross that Istocki tucked into the net, leaving the Flamingos’ backline scrambling.
Nigeria responded strongly and equalised in the 29th minute through Queen Joseph, who pounced on a rebound after the Canadian goalkeeper spilled Waliat Rotimi’s strike. Despite creating more chances and taking more shots, the Flamingos failed to make their dominance count.
The tide turned in the second half as Canada punished Nigeria’s defensive errors. Sayra Kekic restored Canada’s lead after intercepting a misplaced pass in midfield, breaking free to slot a composed finish into the bottom corner.
A costly mistake from the Nigerian goalkeeper in the 80th minute gifted Julia Amireh Canada’s third goal. The shotstopper fumbled an easy catch inside the box, allowing Amireh to slot home into an empty net.
Amireh struck again six minutes later, profiting from another defensive mix-up as the Flamingos’ centre-backs failed to clear a routine cross, giving her space to stab in her second goal of the night.
The loss marks Nigeria’s third defeat in four World Cup openers, and the first time they have lost by a three-goal margin since their 3-0 loss to North Korea in 2016.
The Flamingos will seek redemption when they face France in their next group match on Wednesday, October 22.
