Nigeria’s Flamingos have faced a challenging start to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to France’s U17 women’s team on Wednesday night in Morocco. The result marks a historic low for Nigeria, as it is the first time the Flamingos have opened the tournament with two consecutive losses.

After a bruising 4-1 loss to Canada in their opening fixture, Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side entered the game against France with renewed determination, knowing that a win or at least a draw was essential to keep their knockout hopes alive. The young Nigerians began with visible urgency, pressing high and engaging in fierce midfield duels. However, their recurring struggle, a lack of precision in front of goal, once again proved costly.

France, who previously earned a 4-2 win over debutants Samoa, initially found it difficult to impose their rhythm against Nigeria’s disciplined pressing. Despite flashes of attacking promise, the first half ended goalless, with Nigeria defending bravely but failing to convert their limited chances.

In the second half, the Flamingos showed greater composure, determined to avoid a collapse like the one seen against Canada. But with just nine minutes left, disaster struck. French forward Maïssa Fathallah exploited a lapse in marking, firing a low shot that slipped through goalkeeper Faith Boniface’s hands and trickled agonizingly into the net. It was a cruel moment that effectively sealed Nigeria’s fate.

Nigeria tried to rally late, pushing numbers forward and creating a chance deep into stoppage time, but France’s defense held firm. The final whistle confirmed a second straight defeat, an unwanted record for a nation traditionally among Africa’s strongest at youth level.

With just one group game remaining against Samoa, Olowookere’s team faces a must-win scenario. The Flamingos must secure a convincing victory and hope other results in Group C go their way to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

In other Group C action, Canada thrashed Samoa 6-0, taking firm control of the group standings. Meanwhile, it was a bleak evening for other African representatives as Colombia beat Ivory Coast 3-0, and Japan edged Zambia 2-0, underscoring a difficult round for the continent at this year’s tournament.

For Nigeria, this campaign now teeters on the brink, a blend of youthful promise and painful lessons on the world stage. The Flamingos must rediscover their attacking spark and mental resilience if they are to keep their dreams alive in Morocco.