TOUGH START: Flamingos Stunned 4-1 by Canada in World Cup Opener

Nigeria’s Flamingos endured a difficult start to their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign on Sunday, falling to a 4-1 defeat against Canada in the Group D opener. While the Nigerian team showed promising attacking strength, defensive lapses proved costly, especially in the final stages of the second half.

A Game of Two Halves

The match got off to a quick, dramatic start as Canada took the lead almost immediately through Gabriella Istocki in the second minute after a defensive breakdown. However, the Flamingos did not panic. Coach Bankole Olowookere's side found their rhythm and leveled the score in the 30th minute when forward Queen Joseph converted the rebound from a Waliat Rotimi shot.

Nigeria was dominant territorially for the rest of the first half, outshooting the North American side and creating the better chances, led by captain Shakirat Moshood. Despite the pressure, Canadian goalkeeper Khadijah Cissé kept the score locked at 1-1 heading into the break.

Second Half Capitulation

The second half was a stark contrast, particularly in the final 20 minutes. Despite still having more shots overall, the Flamingos' defense and goalkeeper began to struggle under pressure from the Canadian substitutes.

Canada regained the lead in the 73rd minute through substitute Melisa Kekić, who finished expertly after capitalizing on a pass that split the Nigerian defense. The game was then sealed by two late goals from another substitute, Julia Amireh. Amireh scored her first in the 80th minute after a shocking blunder by Nigerian

goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, who dropped the ball straight into her path. Amireh then completed her brace in the 86th minute, pouncing on yet another defensive mix-up to confirm the 4-1 scoreline.

The defeat means Nigeria sits at the bottom of Group D after the first matchday, with a significant goal difference to overcome.

What Comes Next

The result is a major setback, but the tournament is far from over. The Flamingos must quickly regroup and find a way to patch up their defense ahead of their second, and arguably toughest, group match.

The focus now immediately shifts to the crucial clash with France on Wednesday, October 22nd, where a positive result is mandatory to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive.

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