WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Huge Test for Nigeria’s Flamingos
Nigeria’s Flamingos face one of their sternest challenges yet as they take on in-form Italy in the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup this Tuesday.
Italy have been one of the standout teams of the tournament, topping Group A ahead of Brazil, Morocco, and hosts Costa Rica.
In contrast, Nigeria had a stuttering start but eventually came alive with a commanding 4–0 win over Samoa to secure a place among the best third-placed teams.
While the Italians head into the tie full of confidence, the Flamingos know that knockout football often writes its own script.
At this stage, past form counts for little — every match becomes a fresh battle. Whether you finished top of your group or sneaked through as one of the best third-placed teams, the knockout rounds are known to spring surprises.
Italy’s technical precision, swift attacking transitions, and clinical finishing have been their biggest strengths. For Nigeria, their resilience and raw flair have kept them in contention, though consistency remains a concern.
Players to Watch
Giulia Galli (Italy)
The name on everyone’s lips. With five goals so far, Galli is the tournament’s leading scorer and a genuine attacking threat. Her composure in front of goal and movement off the ball have been key to Italy’s dominance.
“Having eyes on you from all over the world makes you feel even more charged up than you would normally be,” Galli told FIFA after her brace against Costa Rica.
If Nigeria’s defenders allow her space, she could once again prove decisive.
Queen Joseph (Nigeria)
The Flamingos’ talisman and top scorer with three goals, Queen Joseph has shown both flair and purpose. Her dazzling footwork and ability to pierce opposition lines make her Nigeria’s most potent weapon.
The Fosla Academy forward has combined technical brilliance with leadership, inspiring her teammates when it matters most.
Italy will have to be cautious whenever she is found by her creative midfield partners.
Tactics and Mental Edge
Italy are likely to stick with their high-pressing, ball-possession strategy, seeking to dominate the midfield and isolate Nigeria’s defenders. Nigeria, on the other hand, might rely on quick counter-attacks, using their pace and individual flair to exploit spaces behind the Italian backline.
The Flamingos’ ability to stay compact defensively and convert chances efficiently will determine whether they can extend their stay in the competition.
A win for Nigeria would mark their second successive semi-final appearance at the U-17 Women’s World Cup and further underline the nation’s growing reputation in women’s youth football.
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Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, will be out to upset the odds when they face in-form Italy in a mouth-watering Round of 16 clash at the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The encounter is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Pitch 2 of the Football Academy Mohamed VI, Rabat, with kickoff set for 8 p.m.
It will be the first-ever knockout meeting between both nations at this level. Italy have been one of the tournament’s most impressive sides, topping Group A with maximum points after three straight wins — a pulsating 4-3 victory over Brazil, a 3-1 defeat of host Morocco, and a 3-0 rout of Costa Rica. Leading their charge is Giulia Galli, the competition’s current top scorer with five goals.
The Flamingos, meanwhile, had to claw their way into the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. After a rough start that saw them lose 4-1 to Canada and 1-0 to France, Nigeria bounced back strongly with a 4-0 demolition of Samoa, rekindling belief in their quest for glory.
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls will be banking on that renewed momentum and attacking flair to match the Italians stride for stride. With confidence restored and morale high, the Flamingos aim to prove that their campaign is far from over.
Fans can expect a thrilling, high-intensity duel under the Rabat floodlights — a battle of grit and goals as the young Nigerians seek to book a historic spot in the quarter-finals of the world’s biggest stage for U17 women’s football.
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Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, sealed their place in the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup as one of the best third-placed teams, following a convincing 4–0 victory over Samoa on Saturday.
The Nigerian side, determined to bounce back from earlier setbacks, dominated proceedings from the onset. Queen Joseph put the Flamingos ahead midway through the first half after being set up by Shakirat Moshood, before Moshood herself doubled the lead from the penalty spot.
Joseph struck again just before halftime, this time assisted by Nguemo Terlumun, to give Nigeria a commanding 3–0 lead at the break.
The Flamingos’ captain had a chance to extend the tally early in the second half when Nigeria earned another penalty, but her effort — placed in the same direction as her earlier attempt — was comfortably saved by Samoa’s goalkeeper Grace Ae.
However, the Nigerian girls were not to be denied a fourth goal, as Azeezat Oduntan sealed the win with a well-curled strike that left Ae helpless.
The result ensured Nigeria’s progression into the knockout phase, marking a strong comeback after earlier group-stage challenges. Samoa, meanwhile, exited the tournament without a point but with praise for their spirited performance on their World Cup debut.
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Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, saw their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco dim on Wednesday night following a narrow 1–0 defeat to France — their second loss in as many games.
The match began cautiously, with both teams showing defensive discipline and creating limited opportunities in the first half. Nigeria registered four attempts at goal compared to France’s three, though neither side could find a breakthrough.
The Flamingos came close in the first half when Chisom Nwachukwu’s superb free-kick was tipped over the bar by French goalkeeper Chevray Lauryne. Nigeria’s best chance arrived in the 50th minute when Queen Joseph’s corner found Nwachukwu again, but her close-range shot was brilliantly saved by Lauryne.
France nearly took the lead in the 62nd minute after Nigerian goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface misjudged a charge, leaving the goal open. However, defender Jumai Adebayo’s crucial goal-line clearance kept the score level.
The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Maissa Fathallah’s low drive beat Boniface to hand France all three points.
With the defeat, Nigeria remains without a point after two matches and faces Samoa in their final group game — a must-win encounter if the Flamingos are to keep their faint qualification hopes alive.
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