Flamingos Fall 4–1 to Canada in Opening Match

Nigeria’s Flamingos began their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 4–1 loss to Canada on Sunday night in Morocco.

Canada made a quick start, taking the lead just two minutes into the game through Gabriela Istocki. Nigeria, however, found their rhythm and equalised in the 29th minute when Queen Joseph fired home to make it 1–1 at half-time.

Despite creating 13 chances in the first half — with six shots on target compared to Canada’s two — the Flamingos could not make their dominance count.

Canada regained control in the second half, with Melisa Kekic putting them ahead again in the 73rd minute. Julia Amireh then scored twice in the 80th and 86th minutes to seal a comfortable win for the North Americans.

The result leaves Nigeria needing a strong response when they face France in their next group match on Wednesday, 22 October.

While the Flamingos showed good attacking intent, defensive lapses proved costly, and the team will have to improve at the back to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.