Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, saw their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco take a major hit on Wednesday night after a 1-0 defeat to France — their second consecutive loss in the tournament.
Both teams adopted a cautious approach in the first half, creating few clear opportunities while maintaining strong defensive discipline.
Nigeria had four goal attempts compared to France’s three, but most efforts from both sides failed to test the goalkeepers. The Flamingos’ best first-half chance came from Chisom Nwachukwu’s well-taken free kick, which was expertly tipped over the bar by France’s goalkeeper Chevray Lauryne.
Nigeria came close again in the 50th minute when Queen Joseph’s corner delivery found Nwachukwu, whose left-footed strike from close range was once more denied by Lauryne.
Substitute Laboucarie Luna nearly gave France the lead in the 62nd minute after Nigerian goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface failed to clear an advancing attacker, but Jumai Adebayo’s crucial goal-line clearance kept the scores level.
However, France eventually broke the deadlock in the 81st minute through Maissa Fathallah, whose low strike beat Boniface to seal victory for the Europeans.
The loss leaves Nigeria bottom of their group with zero points from two games. The Flamingos will face Samoa Island in their final group-stage match, needing a win to keep their faint qualification hopes alive.
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