FLAMINGOS SUFFER 4–1 DEFEAT TO CANADA IN WORLD CUP OPENER

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, began their 2025 World Cup with a 4–1 loss to Canada on Sunday night at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco.

Canada scored just over a minute into the game when Gabriela Istocki finished off a low cross after a mistake in Nigeria’s defence. The goal pushed the Flamingos to fight harder as they began to press and attack with more confidence.

Their effort paid off in the 30th minute when Queen Joseph scored from close range after the Canadian goalkeeper could not hold Olamide Olanrewaju’s shot, allowing Joseph to quickly put the rebound into the net. The goal gave Nigeria new energy as they created more chances and had 13 shots before halftime, but they could not score again.

Canada came back stronger in the second half and took control of the midfield while Nigeria’s defence started to lose focus. In the 73rd minute, Melisa Kekic scored from the edge of the box to put Canada ahead again.

Mistakes at the back cost Nigeria as Amireh scored twice in the 80th and 86th minutes to seal Canada’s 4–1 win.

The loss is the Flamingos’ first defeat to Canada after a 1–1 draw in their last meeting.

It was a tough day for African teams as Morocco lost 3–0 to Brazil, Cameroon lost 4–3 to the Netherlands, and Zambia were beaten 2–1 by Paraguay. Only Cote D’ivoire managed a point after drawing 1–1 with South Korea.

Nigeria are now bottom of Group D. Canada are top, while France, who beat Samoa 4–2, are second. The Flamingos will play France on Wednesday, October 22, and Samoa on Saturday, October 25.

They must win their next two games to stay in the competition.