Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, began their 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign on a disappointing note, suffering a 4–1 defeat to Canada on Sunday at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in Salé, Morocco.
Canada made a blistering start, taking the lead just two minutes into the match through Gabriela Istocki, who finished from close range after a brilliant run and cross by Molly Hale down the left flank.
The Flamingos responded strongly and found their equalizer in the 30th minute when Queen Joseph capitalized on a defensive mix-up to level the score. Nigeria then grew in confidence, creating several chances before halftime, with captain Shakirat Moshood, Azeezat Oduntan, and Kaosarat Olanrewaju all testing Canadian goalkeeper Khadijah Cissé, who made key saves to keep the game 1–1 at the break.
However, the momentum shifted in the second half as Canada’s substitutes made a decisive impact. Melisa Kekić, introduced in the 62nd minute, restored the lead in the 73rd minute before fellow substitute Julia Amireh netted twice in the 80th and 86th minutes to put the game beyond Nigeria’s reach.
Head coach Bankole Olowookere started Elizabeth Boniface in goal, with Azeezat Oduntan, Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, and Nofisat Tijani forming the backline. The midfield trio included Shakirat Moshood, Memunat Abubakar, and Muinat Rotimi, while Queen Joseph, Chisom Nwachukwu, and Kaosarat Olanrewaju led the attack.
In the second half, Mariam Yahaya replaced Chisom Nwachukwu (62’), Nguemo Terlumun came on for Kaosarat Olanrewaju (81’), and Fatimoh Shuaib replaced Memunat Abubakar (87’).
Despite recording 17 attempts (six on target) compared to Canada’s 10 (five on target), Nigeria were undone by defensive lapses and Canada’s clinical finishing.
The result leaves the Flamingos bottom of Group D, while Canada top the standings on goal difference after France defeated Samoa 4–2 earlier in the day. Nigeria will aim to bounce back when they face France in their next group match on Wednesday.
