Flamingos
Nigeria’s Flamingos have crashed out of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a heavy 4–0 defeat to a rampant Italian side on Tuesday.
The loss brought an abrupt end to the 2022 bronze medallists’ campaign, while Italy extended their impressive run to four straight victories in the tournament.
The young Nigerian side began the match with intent, eager to justify their place in the Round of 16.
Their first real chance came in the 24th minute when captain Shakirat Moshood unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box, only for Italian goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni to stretch full length and tip the ball around the post.
As the half drew to a close, Italy broke the deadlock through Anna Copelli, who skillfully dribbled past the Nigerian defence before calmly slotting beyond goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.
Ten minutes after the restart, the Flamingos thought they had drawn level when Nguemo Terlumun turned the ball into the net following a determined effort from Queen Joseph. But their celebrations were short-lived as the Video Support Review (VSR) ruled that Joseph had kicked the ball out of Robbioni’s hands.
Italy made the most of Nigeria’s frustration, doubling their lead just three minutes later with a stunning long-range effort from Caterina Venturelli that sailed over Echefu and into the net. Giulia Robino made it 3–0 five minutes afterward, punishing Nigeria’s defensive lapses.
In the dying minutes, the VSR once again played a role, confirming Rachelle Giudici’s late strike as valid after an offside check, sealing a dominant 4–0 win for the Europeans.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s journey in the tournament, hosted in Morocco. However, the Flamingos will have little time to dwell on the loss as preparations must begin for the qualifiers for next year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, now set to be an annual competition.
(NAN)
