Nigeria’s Flamingos lost 4-1 to Canada in the opening match of their U17 Women’s World Cup match at the Mohammed VI Football Academy pitch on Sunday.
The Nigerian team conceded three goals in the last 18 minutes of the encounter, including two in the final 10 minutes to start their Group D adventure with defeat.
Canada took the lead in the second minute as the Flamingos’ defence allowed a mazy run to the byline, and the low cross was slotted into the net by a grateful Gabriella Istocki.
Bankole Olowookere’s ladies regrouped and cancelled the deficit in the 29th minute through Queen Joseph, who scrambled in the rebound after the Canada goalkeeper spilt Waliat Rotimi’s shot.
However, the Flamingos, despite attempting more shots than their North American opponent, capitulated later in the second half, as Canada pounced on a loose ball in midfield to send Sayra Kekic through, and the forward steadied herself before sending a low shot into the left bottom corner out of the goalkeeper’s reach for 2-1.
Canada doubled their advantage in the 80th minute, thanks to the goalkeeper’s blunder. Elizabeth Boniface claimed a loose ball in the box under no pressure, but the Abia Angels shotstopper shockingly dropped the ball, allowing Julia Amireh to slot into an unguarded net.
The 16-year-old midfielder completed his brace six minutes later, thanks to another defensive mix-up. Nigeria’s centre-backs failed to deal with a poor cross into the penalty area, and allowed Amireh to pounce on their uncertainty by dashing into the box to apply a toe-poked finish into the net.
The Flamingos lose their first match of the World Cup group stage for the third time in four competitions.
They also lost by a three-goal margin for the first time since a 3-0 defeat to North Korea in 2016.
Nigeria will next face France in the second group match on Wednesday, October 22.
