Nigeria’s Flamingos began their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a disappointing 4–1 defeat to Canada in their Group D opener on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
It took the Canadians just two minutes to take the lead at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Sale, Morocco, as Gabriela Istocki finished off a fine run from Molly Hale down the left.
Nigeria responded well and enjoyed a strong spell in midfield. Captain Shakirat Moshood tested Canadian goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse twice, before Queen Joseph bundled home the equaliser in the 29th minute after Kaosarat Olanrewaju’s shot was spilled.
The Flamingos came out with intent in the second half, but Canada proved more clinical. Substitute Melisa Kekic restored their lead in the 73rd minute, turning a defender before slotting past Elizabeth Boniface.
A late error from Boniface allowed Julia Amireh to make it 3–1, and the substitute sealed the win six minutes later with another composed finish to the far corner.
The Flamingos currently sit bottom, while Canada top the group. France are in second after a 4-2 opening win over Samoa.
Nigeria will face France next on Wednesday as they look to bounce back from the defeat to keep their hopes of reaching the next round alive.
