Nigeria’s Flamingos suffered a disappointing start to their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign, losing 2-1 to Poland in Saturday’s Group B opener. The defeat in Rabat, Morocco, leaves the Nigerian youngsters under pressure to collect maximum points in their remaining group-stage fixtures.
Poland took the lead in the 33rd minute when Wiktoria Skrzypczak calmly converted a penalty after Nigeria conceded a foul inside the box. Despite goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho’s initial save, the referee awarded the spot-kick following a foul during the rebound challenge.
Nigeria returned after halftime hoping to equalise, but Natalia Skrok doubled Poland’s advantage in the 65th minute following Blanka Zajac’s dangerous cross. The Flamingos struggled to clear the ball inside their penalty area, allowing Skrok to capitalise and strengthen Poland’s advantage.
However, Nigeria refused to surrender, and Oluebube Umejiaku pulled one goal back in the 79th minute following a dangerous free-kick. The late strike revived Nigerian hopes, but the Flamingos could not find another goal before the final whistle confirmed their opening defeat.
The result marks an early setback for head coach Akeem Busari, whose squad entered the tournament after winning the WAFU-B U-17 Girls’ Championship. Nigeria now face Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 20, in a crucial encounter that could determine their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
Their final group match against defending champions Korea DPR follows on Friday, October 23, presenting another demanding challenge for the young Nigerian side.
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