Nigeria’s Flamingos endured a disappointing start to their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Canada at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sule, Morocco, on Sunday, Bold Sports reports.
The North Americans were quick to make their mark, taking the lead just two minutes into the encounter through Gabriela Istocki. However, the Flamingos showed resilience and managed to draw level in the 30th minute when Queen Joseph found the back of the net, restoring parity before the halftime break.
Despite an improved first-half display, Nigeria crumbled in the second half while Canada’s substitutes made an immediate impact, with Melisa Kekic restoring their lead in the 73rd minute.
17-year-old midfielder Julia Amireh then came off the bench to deliver the decisive blow, scoring twice within six minutes to seal a comprehensive 4-1 win for the Canadians.
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Elsewhere in Group A, France claimed a 4-2 victory over Samoa in an entertaining fixture. Thaïs Gallais grabbed a brace for the French side, while Elena Moreira Da Rocha and Camille Marmillot also got on the scoresheet.
The results leave the Flamingos at the bottom of their group, with Canada topping the standings ahead of France. Nigeria now face a must-win clash against France on Wednesday to keep their qualification hopes alive, while Canada will aim to secure back-to-back victories when they face Samoa.
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