Nigeria’s Flamingos will be aiming to bounce back from their opening game defeat when they take on France in their second Group D match at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday evening, Bold Sports reports.
The Flamingos suffered a disappointing 4–1 loss to Canada in their opening fixture, a result that left them rooted to the bottom of Group D. Despite dominating large parts of the first half, the girls were undone by defensive lapses and wastefulness in front of goal, allowing the North Americans to take full advantage in the second period.
With the competition now featuring 24 teams instead of 16, the four best third-placed sides will also progress to the round of 16 alongside the group winners. This means that a win against France could significantly boost Nigeria’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage despite the loss to Canada.
France, on the other hand, made a strong start to their campaign, defeating Samoa 4–2 in an entertaining contest. Thaïs Gallais was the star of the show with a brace, while Elena Moreira Da Rocha and Camille Marmillot also got on the scoresheet to hand the Europeans all three points and an early advantage in the group.
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This fixture carries added significance given the history between both sides. The last time Nigeria and France met at this level was in the quarterfinal of the 2012 edition in Azerbaijan, where the Bleuettes edged the Flamingos 5–3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
With both teams fighting for crucial points, Wednesday’s encounter promises to be another tightly contested affair. A win for France will confirm their place in the knockout round, while victory for Nigeria will reignite their qualification hopes.
The encounter is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI, with referee Lizzet Amairany García Olvera set to officiate while Milagros Arruela will serve as the fourth official.
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