AFCON 2025
Italy produced a dominant performance to defeat Nigeria 4–0 and advance to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025.
After a lively, end-to-end start, Italy struck a crucial blow just before the break when Anna Copelli curled home a left-footed effort past goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu. The goal shifted momentum, and Italy returned from the interval with full control.
Caterina Venturelli doubled the lead as her lofted ball drifted over Echefu and into the net, before Giulia Robino fired in a well-struck free-kick to make it three. Rachele Giudici added a late fourth to seal an emphatic win.
Nigeria battled hard but were unable to recover from conceding on the stroke of half-time.
Elsewhere, Brazil booked their place in the last eight with a confident 3–0 victory over China PR. Kaylane opened the scoring early, before Evelin struck from distance and later set up Giovana Iseppe for the third as Brazil pulled away after the break.
Defending champions Korea DPR delivered the biggest result of the night, dismantling hosts Morocco 6–1 in Rabat. Yu Jong-hyang scored twice, while Kim Won-sim, Ri Kyong-im, Ri Jin-a and an own goal completed a commanding display, with Morocco grabbing a late consolation.
The most dramatic tie came as the Netherlands stunned the USA following a 1–1 draw, sealing progression 7–6 on penalties. Liv Pennock put the Dutch ahead early, before Micayla Johnson levelled with a long-range strike.
In the shootout, goalkeeper Maren Groothoff saved the decisive kick to send the European champions into the quarter-finals.
Italy, Brazil, Korea DPR and the Netherlands now move on to the last eight with confidence after contrasting but memorable Round-of-16 displays.
