Nigeria’s aspirations to progress in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2025 in Morocco were significantly diminished on Wednesday night when the Flamingos faced a 0-1 defeat against France, marking their second consecutive loss in Group D.
A late defensive error permitted France’s Maissa Fathallah to net the crucial goal, leaving the Nigerian team at the bottom of the group with no points and a goal difference of -4 after two matches played.
The match at the Football Academy Mohammed VI was a closely contested affair, with both Nigeria and France adopting a cautious approach in the first half.
Nigeria recorded four attempts on goal, initially outshooting the French team, who had three shots that missed the target.
The most promising chances for Nigeria fell to Chisom Nwachukwu, whose exquisite set-piece was skillfully tipped over the bar by France’s goalkeeper, Chevray Lauryne.
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Lauryne also played a crucial role in the 50th minute, thwarting Nwachukwu’s close-range left-footed attempt following a corner taken by Queen Joseph.
The match remained scoreless largely due to solid defending and a stroke of luck, particularly in the 62nd minute when Nigerian goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface’s momentary lapse left the goal exposed, only for Jumai Adebayo to perform a remarkable goal-line clearance to maintain the deadlock.
Nevertheless, the relentless pressure ultimately paid off. In the 81st minute, France achieved the breakthrough. Maissa Fathallah’s low shot surpassed Boniface, a direct consequence of what seemed to be another failure in the organisation of the Nigerian defence.
This recent defeat follows an initial 4-1 loss to Canada, underscoring a concerning trend. The Flamingos have now allowed five goals in two matches, while managing to score only once.
Coach Bankole Olowookere’s team has demonstrated glimpses of attacking capability, but lapses in concentration and inadequate communication in defence, especially late in both games, have proven detrimental.
U-17 WWC: Nigeria’s Flamingos, Face Early Elimination in Morocco
