Flamingoes’ Hopes at U-17 Women's World Cup Hanging by a Slim Thread After France Loss

On Wednesday night, Nigeria's U-17 Women's National Team — the Flamingoes — suffered their second defeat at the 2025 U-17 Women's World Cup, losing to the French National Team and making it back-to-back losses.

The Flamingoes came into the tie on the back of an opening-day defeat to Canada by four goals to one, and looked to bounce back against France to keep their chances of progressing from the group alive.

Coach Bankole Olowookere made just one change to the side that lost to Canada, replacing Nofisat Tijani with Fatimoh Shuaib.

The Nigerian girls put up a good display in the first half and created several chances, but Lauryne Cheesy did well to stop Shakirat Moshood and Chisom Nwachukwu’s well-worked set piece.

Nigeria had the majority of the first-half chances, registering four attempts on goal, but couldn’t convert.

The first half, therefore, ended goalless.

Just five minutes into the second half, the Flamingoes had a chance to take the lead.

Queen Joseph whipped in a fine ball from a corner kick, but Chisom Nwachukwu’s effort was once again saved by Lauryne.

France almost took the lead 12 minutes later when goalkeeper Boniface came off her line too early to close down an attacker, but Jumai Adebayo was on hand with a goal-line clearance to keep the scores level.

However, France would not be denied for long. Maissa Fathallah broke the deadlock in the 81st minute after a clever pass from Luna Laboucarie, giving the French side the advantage.

The Flamingoes searched for an equaliser, but Shakirat Moshood and Azeezat Oduntan could not find a way past Chevray.

This defeat means the Flamingoes have failed to pick up any points from their first two games at the U-17 Women's World Cup and now sit third in their group, just above Samoa Island on superior goal difference.

All hope, however, is not lost.

Should the Flamingoes defeat Samoa by four goals or more, progressing to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams remains possible — provided results at other venues go in their favour.

Their final group game against Samoa is scheduled for Saturday, October 25th, at 5 p.m. West African Time.