By Boluwatife Kehinde
Following the Nigeria U-17 Flamingos’ heavy 1-4 defeat in their opening match, head coach Bankole Olowookere has solely attributed the loss to missed chances.
The match took place at the Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 2) in Sule, Morocco, marking the start of Nigeria’s campaign in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup against Canada.
Canada got off to a strong start, scoring just two minutes into the match. However, the Flamingos fought back, equalising in the 30th minute with a fine finish from Queen Joseph, and the teams went into halftime tied at 1–1.
The second half proved decisive, as Canada regained control. Milisa Kekic scored to restore their lead in the 73rd minute, before Julia Amireh sealed the result with a quick brace in the 80th and 86th minutes, leaving Nigeria with a heavy defeat.
Read also: Olowookere backs Flamingos for strong U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign
Olowookere expressed that the crucial mistake made by the team was failing to capitalise on their chances in the first half.
“This was a huge game. Sometimes mistakes happen. We had our chances in the first half, but we didn’t take advantage of them, and we paid dearly for it,” he stated.
“I think it’s a lesson we’ll keep learning. We will review our performance and determine how we can bounce back.”
However, the Flamingos will aim to return to winning and revive their qualification hopes when they face France on Wednesday.
