U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria loses opening match to Canada

Nigeria failed to get off to a good start at the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup, going down 4-1 to Canada on Friday. Coach Bankole Olowookere blamed his players’ numerous missed chances for the heavy defeat.

The Canadians opened the scoring as early as the second minute through Gabriela Istocki, before Nigerian Queen Joseph capitalised on a defensive error to equalise on the half hour. Despite several decisive saves from goalkeeper Khadijah Cissé, the Flamingos were overrun late in the match, conceding three goals from Julia Amireh, who scored twice, and Melisa Kekic.

“It was a crucial match. We had chances in the first half, but we didn’t convert them and we paid dearly,” Olowookere lamented on FIFA’s website. The Nigerian coach nevertheless wants to take the lesson and is already looking ahead: “We’ll review our play and bounce back.” The Flamingos will try to get back on track on Wednesday in Rabat, against France, in their second game of the tournament.