AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos started their World Cup campaign on a disappointing note on Sunday evening in Rabat, Morocco.
The Nigerian ladies suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss to Canada in their opening fixture at the Mohammed VI Football Academy second training.
pitch.
Gabriela Istocki put the Canadians ahead early in the tie with a simple finish in the box while Queen Joseph restored parity just before the break from a rebound.
However, a second half brace from substitute Julia Amireh and a goal by Melissa Kekic took the game away Queen Josephfrom Flamingos’s reach as the North Americans secured maximum points.
Below are three observations from the loss.
1. High press not sustainable
The Flamingos had a decent first half as they pressed high to win possession back from Canada. However, the team is prone to counter attacks with the acres of spaces left behind. The Canadians took advantage of this shortcoming in two of their goals.
2. Goalkeeping error
Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Elizabeth Boniface showed lack of composure in between the sticks her error lead to Canada’s third goal. Julia Amireh took advantage of her mistake in the box to register the first of two goals on the night.
3. Poor second half
Bankole Olowookere’s side were a shadow of themselves in the second half despite an impressive first half display. The Flamingos equalized on the half hour mark heading into the break the better side.
However, the Flamingos fell apart to Canada’s transition plays and quick breaks in the second half conceding three goals in the process.
Nigeria will take on 2012 Champions France in their second group match on Wednesday. The French girls thrashed Samoa 4-2 in their first match of the tournament.
