Flamingos lose 2-1 to Poland in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup opener
Nigeria’s Flamingos lost their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Group B opener 2-1 to Poland on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco.
Poland’s Wiktoria Skrzypczak scored first in the 33rd minute. Falconets goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho saved Zofia Cendrowska’s attempt at goal before Ohunene Sunday fouled a Polish striker trying to reach the rebound.
The referee blew the whistle for a penalty, which Skrzypczak converted by placing the ball in the bottom-right corner.
Poland’s Natalia Skrok made it two in the second half when Blanka Zajac, in the 65th minute, crossed into the Nigerian penalty area.
The Falconets, however, failed to clear their line, providing Skrok the opportunity to add to the scoreline.
Kanyinsola Yusuf helped Nigeria reduce the deficit in the 79th minute, following a free-kick into the Polish penalty area. The goal was, however, officially credited to Oluebube Umejiaku, who was adjudged to have touched the ball before it went in.
Korea DPR tops the group with three points, the same as second-placed Poland but separated by goal difference, while Nigeria and Puerto Rico each have no points.
The Flamingos will play their second group game against Puerto Rico on Tuesday before taking on Korea DPR in their final group-stage fixture on Friday.
The top two teams in each of the six groups will automatically qualify for the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams.
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