FLAMINGOS’ UNBEATEN RUN ENDS in 7-Goal Friendly Thriller Against New Zealand

Nigeria’s Flamingos saw their unbeaten run come to an end with a 4–3 defeat to New Zealand in a World Cup warm-up in Casablanca. The result halted an 11-match streak that had carried Bankole Olowookere’s side through qualifiers and friendlies in near-perfect form.

The seven-goal contest exposed defensive lapses that had rarely been tested during that run, leaving the coaching staff with urgent adjustments to make. With the U-17 Women’s World Cup just days away, the Flamingos know sharper focus will be crucial.

Nigeria’s attack once again showed its quality, but defensive lapses were costly. Flamingos Forward Queen Joseph struck first in the 13th minute, finishing off a clever through ball, before captain Shakirat Moshood restored the lead with a trademark long-range effort just before half-time.

The Flamingos kept fighting, and Ayo’s crisp finish brought them level at 3-3, but New Zealand’s Laura Bennett was unstoppable, netting a hat-trick. The decisive blow came in the 80th minute when Candy Sienna sealed victory for the Kiwis.

Before the defeat to New Zealand, the Flamingos had scored 44 goals without conceding across ten warm-up games. That flawless run has now shifted: their tally climbs to 47 goals, but with four conceded in a single match. This is a strong reminder of the defensive tests that awaits the Flamingos in Group D against France and Canada.

For coach Bankole Olowookere, the timing may yet prove valuable. The loss has exposed gaps in defence and midfield transitions, giving the technical crew a final chance to adjust before the team face Paraguay in their last warm-up on 14 October. The squad will then move to the official FIFA hotel in Rabat on 15 October to begin their World Cup campaign preparations.