Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, fell 1-0 to France on Wednesday night in their second group match at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The loss marked their second straight defeat in the tournament.
Both teams had a quiet first half, creating few clear chances. Nigeria managed four attempts on goal, while France had three shots that went off target. The Flamingos came close through Chisom Nwachukwu’s well-placed free kick, but France’s goalkeeper, Chevray Lauryne, made a fine save to keep the score level.
Nigeria’s best opportunity came early in the second half when Queen Joseph’s corner found Nwachukwu inside the box, but her close-range shot was once again stopped by the French goalkeeper. France almost took the lead in the 62nd minute, but Jumai Adebayo’s quick goal-line clearance saved Nigeria after goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface had missed a challenge.
France eventually broke the deadlock in the 81st minute when Maissa Fathallah’s low strike beat Boniface to hand the Europeans the winning goal. The Flamingos pushed for an equaliser but could not find the back of the net before the final whistle.
With this result, Nigeria remain without a point after two games. The Flamingos will hope to bounce back when they face Samoa Island in their final group match on Saturday.