Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to France in their second Group D match at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat on Wednesday night.
Despite a much-improved display from their 4–1 opening loss to Canada, Bankole Olowookere’s side were undone by an 81st-minute strike from Maïssa Fathallah, who capitalised on a rebound after goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface failed to clear her lines.
The Nigerians started brightly, pressing high and defending with better organisation, and even created a handful of chances that tested the French backline. However, their lack of clinical finishing proved costly as the Europeans held firm.
Interestingly, Manchester City’s Nigeria-eligible striker Rachael Adedini featured for France, making her mark before being substituted at halftime for Camille Marmillot.
The result leaves the Flamingos bottom of Group D with no points after two matches. They now face a must-win encounter against Samoa on Saturday, October 25, to stand any chance of progressing to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.
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