Nigeria’s Flamingos suffered another setback at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, losing 1–0 to France in their second Group D match at the Football Academy Mohammed VI on Wednesday night, Bold Sports reports.
The Nigerian side came into the encounter hoping to bounce back from their opening 4–1 defeat to Canada but were once again left disappointed after a late strike from French substitute Maïssa Fathallah in the 81st minute sealed victory for the Bleuettes.
The defeat leaves Nigeria without a point from two matches, while France continue their perfect start to the tournament with two wins from two games. The French now sit level on six points with group leaders Canada, who thrashed Samoa 6–0 to maintain their flawless record and seal qualification for the round of 16.
For coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls, qualification hopes are not completely over. With the tournament now expanded to 24 teams, the four best third-placed teams across all groups will join the top two from each group in the round of 16.
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This means that a big win over Samoa in their final group game could still keep Nigeria’s dream of progressing to the knockout stage alive. The Flamingos will need to not only secure three points but also improve their goal difference to stand a realistic chance of advancing.
Nigeria will now turn their focus to their all-important final group match, knowing that anything short of victory will spell the end of their campaign in Morocco.
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