Flamingos fall 2-1 to Poland in U-17 World Cup opener

By Tosin Omojola

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, began their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign in Morocco with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.

After a balanced opening half-hour, Poland took the lead in the 33rd minute when Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted a penalty awarded following a Video Support review of an incident involving a Nigerian defender and a Polish attacker.

Poland threatened to extend their lead after the break, but a goal in the 63rd minute was ruled out for offside. Two minutes later, however, Natalia Skrok capitalised on a defensive clearance error to make it 2-0.

Akeem Busari responded with a double substitution in the 68th minute, introducing Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru for Harmony Chidi and Mary Dunstan. Kanyinsola Yusuf and Precious Oscar followed 10 minutes later, replacing Queen Joseph and Adesuyi.

The changes paid off almost immediately as Yusuf pulled one back in the 79th minute, giving Nigeria hope of a comeback.

The Flamingos pushed for an equaliser and appealed for a penalty in the 86th minute following an incident involving Kemi Adegbuyi. However, the referee stood by her initial decision after another review.

Nigeria pressed for a late leveller, but Poland held firm to claim all three points.

The Flamingos will seek to recover against Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 20, before facing Korea DPR on Friday, October 23, in their remaining Group B fixtures.