FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos fall to France

The hopes of Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, advancing to the knockout stages of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco became slim on Wednesday night following the team’s 1-0 defeat to France — their second loss in as many games.

Both teams played conservatively and created few chances in the first 45 minutes, defending robustly, with Nigeria making four attempts at goal — more than the French side, who had three shots off target.

Nigeria’s best first-half chance came from Chisom Nwachukwu’s delightful set-piece, but France’s goalkeeper, Chevray Lauryne, was alert to tip it over the bar for a corner kick.

The Flamingos’ clearest opportunity came in the 50th minute when Queen Joseph’s delivery from a corner kick fell to Nwachukwu, whose close-range left-footed shot was once again foiled by Lauryne.

Substitute Laboucarie Luna nearly put France in front in the 62nd minute after Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Elizabeth Boniface, failed to close down an attacker bearing on goal, but Jumai Adebayo’s goal-line clearance kept Nigeria in the game.

France finally found the breakthrough in the 81st minute when Maissa Fathallah’s low strike beat Boniface for the only goal of the match.

The defeat leaves Nigeria with no points from two games. The team will face Samoa in their final group-stage match.