Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, narrowly lost 1–0 to France in their second group-stage match at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday night in Rabat, Morocco.
Despite showing more discipline and determination than in their 4–1 opening loss to Canada, the young Nigerian side could not hold on, as a late strike from France’s Maïssa Fathallah in the 81st minute sealed the contest for the Europeans.
The Nigerian girls started on a positive note, pressing high and keeping the French defence under pressure. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s younger understudy, alongside a compact backline, produced a strong first-half performance that frustrated the French attack.
Manchester City’s Nigeria-eligible forward, Rachael Adedini, started for France and impressed in the opening 45 minutes before being replaced at half-time by Camille Marmillot.
Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side created a few promising chances, with the Flamingos’ best opportunity coming midway through the first half, but they failed to convert as the French goalkeeper denied them with a smart save.
The Nigerian defence remained resolute until the dying minutes, when a momentary lapse allowed Fathallah to pounce and slot home from close range a strike that proved decisive.
Speaking after the game, Coach Olowookere admitted his players gave their all but were punished for a single error.
“It’s painful because the girls fought hard. We improved from the first match, but one mistake cost us the result,” he said. “We still have one more game, and we will give everything against Samoa.”
The loss leaves Nigeria bottom of their group with no points from two matches, while France moved closer to securing qualification for the knockout round.
The Flamingos now face a must-win encounter against Samoa on Saturday, October 25, where only a convincing victory can keep their hopes alive of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.
Fans on social media have praised the team’s improved display despite the loss, urging the players not to lose confidence. “They played with heart today,” one fan wrote. “All they need is to be more clinical in front of goal.”
The Flamingos, who reached the semi-finals at the last edition of the tournament in 2022, must now rely on results from other groups alongside a big win in their final fixture to stand a chance of qualifying.
