Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, will take on a strong Italian side today (Tuesday) in the round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with a coveted quarter-final spot at stake.
The clash will take place at Pitch 2 of the Football Academy Mohamed VI in Rabat and is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the knockout stage.
This marks the first-ever meeting between Nigeria and Italy at this level. The Italians have been among the most impressive teams in the tournament, topping Group A with a perfect record — a thrilling 4–3 victory over Brazil, a 3–1 win against hosts Morocco, and a 3–0 triumph over Costa Rica.
Led by red-hot striker Giulia Galli, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, Italy have displayed both attacking brilliance and defensive discipline, making them one of the favourites to progress.
Nigeria, on the other hand, qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams after a mixed run in Group D. The Flamingos lost their opening games 4–1 to Canada and 1–0 to France but bounced back with a resounding 4–0 win over Samoa to seal their place in the round of 16.
In that crucial victory, winger Tabitha Terlumun was instrumental — providing an assist for Queen Joseph’s goal and winning a penalty early in the second half. Her pace and creativity on the right flank earned her plaudits for revitalising Nigeria’s attack.
Reflecting on their journey so far, Terlumun admitted that the early setbacks were painful but motivating. “It was tough, but I believe we had what it takes to win those matches,” she said. “Our game against Canada was so unfortunate — we lost our confidence in the second half, and it cost us. But we’ve learned and grown since then.”
Looking ahead to the Italy clash, the promising winger expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances. “If we bring the same mindset we had against France and Samoa, we can go far. It’s the knockout stage — anything can happen. If we stay united, confident, and focused, we can win,” she added.
Head coach Bankole Olowookere is expected to stick with the core squad that dismantled Samoa, banking on their improved chemistry and attacking flair.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. Nigeria time, with the winner set to face either Paraguay or Mexico in the quarter-finals — a matchup that promises to test the Flamingos’ resolve and ambition.
