Flamingos of Nigeria Fall Short Again at 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos of Nigeria Face Another Setback
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat against France in their second Group D match at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat on Wednesday night, October 22.
After the 4-1 loss to Canada in their opening group match, coach Bankole Olowookere’s side looked more organised and determined this time, keeping the game tight until the closing minutes. But with just nine minutes left, France’s Maïssa Fathallah struck the decisive blow, firing home after Flamingos goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface failed to deal with a rebound.
The young Nigerians started brightly, pressing high and showing better defensive discipline. They created a few half-chances but couldn’t find the finishing touch, as the French backline stood firm throughout.
France’s Manchester City forward Rachael Adedini, who is eligible to represent Nigeria, featured in the first half before being replaced by Camille Marmillot at halftime.
Despite flashes of improvement, the Flamingos’ late slip proved costly. The result leaves Nigeria bottom of Group D with no points from two matches.
Their final group game against Samoa on Saturday, October 25, now carries everything at stake. Only a win can give the Flamingos a chance of sneaking into the knockout round as one of the best third-placed teams.