Flamingos Defeat Paraguay 3–2 in Thrilling Finale Ahead of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Posted : 16 October 2025

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a 3–2 win over Paraguay in Casablanca.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, concluded their build-up to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in style with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Paraguay in their final warm-up match held in Casablanca, Morocco.

The encounter, filled with pace, intensity, and tactical discipline, showcased the team’s readiness for the global tournament. It also marked the Flamingos’ 12th preparatory match, taking their impressive warm-up record to 50 goals scored and just six conceded under Coach Bankole Olowookere.

The Nigerians made a fast start, breaking the deadlock within the opening two minutes. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface delivered a precise long pass to captain Shakirat Moshood, who teed up Mariam Yahaya. The forward displayed composure, chipping over the Paraguayan goalkeeper to make it 1–0.

Shakirat nearly doubled the lead moments later, but her attempt sailed narrowly over the bar. Paraguay capitalized on a defensive error in the 15th minute, as Christiana Sunday’s misplaced pass gifted the South Americans an equalizer. The goal boosted Paraguay’s confidence, forcing Boniface into two vital saves to keep Nigeria level.

The Flamingos regained control just before halftime. A defensive mix-up in Paraguay’s backline allowed Yahaya to grab her second goal in the 44th minute, and a minute later, she completed a stunning first-half hat-trick after latching onto a superb through-ball from Kaosarat Olanrewaju, putting Nigeria 3–1 ahead at the break.

In the second half, Nigeria maintained their attacking rhythm, with Ayomide Abubakar and Shakirat Moshood both threatening to extend the lead. Substitute goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu produced a key save in the 69th minute to preserve the two-goal cushion as Paraguay pressed forward. Though the South Americans pulled one back late in the game following another defensive lapse, the Flamingos held firm for a 3–2 win.

With their training camp in Morocco now completed, the team will move to Rabat to settle into their official FIFA accommodation ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which begins on October 17.

The Flamingos have been drawn in Group D, where they will open their campaign against Canada on October 19, face France on October 22, and conclude the group stage against Samoa on October 25.

The victory over Paraguay not only capped a productive preparation phase but also reinforced Nigeria’s growing confidence as one of the teams to watch in this year’s tournament.

Flamingos Defeat Paraguay 3–2 in Thrilling Finale Ahead of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

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