Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, suffered a tough 4-1 loss to Canada in their opening game of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Sunday.
Canada struck early, with Gabriella Istocki netting a goal in just the 2nd minute. Nigeria fought back, and Queen Joseph leveled the score in the 30th minute, sending the teams into halftime tied at 1-1.
The second half saw Canada take control. Milisa Kekic put the Canadians ahead again in the 73rd minute, followed by two late goals from Julia Amireh in the 80th and 86th minutes, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Nigeria will now aim to recover in their upcoming group match against France on Wednesday to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Canada will face Samoa next, where a win will guarantee their spot in the knockout stages.
