The Nigerian U17 women’s national team suffered a heavy Round of 16 defeat to Italy in Rabat, ending hopes of another deep run at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2025.
Nigeria’s Flamingos; the country’s U17 women’s football team bowed out of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2025 after a disappointing 4–0 loss to Italy U17 Women in the Round of 16 match played in Rabat, Morocco. The result ended Nigeria’s campaign abruptly, dashing hopes of repeating their 2022 semi-final feat.
Despite flashes of attacking promise, the Nigeria U17 girls’ football team were undone by Italy’s superior finishing, tactical organisation, and set-piece precision.
Kick-Off to Final Whistle
The Flamingos vs Italy U17 Women clash at the Mohamed VI Football Academy started brightly for Nigeria, who pressed early and created a good chance through captain Shakirat Moshood, forcing a top save from Italian goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.
But Italy’s pressure told in the closing minutes of the first half, as Anna Copelli capitalised on a defensive lapse to open the scoring.
After halftime, Nigeria believed they had equalised through Queen Joseph, only for the goal to be disallowed following a VAR review, a decision that shifted momentum decisively toward the Europeans.
Moments later, Italy doubled their lead with a long-range strike from Caterina Venturelli, before Giulia Robino made it 3–0 with a curling free-kick. Substitute Rachele Giudici sealed the rout late on with a composed finish to make it Nigeria 0–4 Italy. A sobering end to the Flamingos’ World Cup journey.
Stats and Match Summary
Final Score: Nigeria U17 0 – 4 Italy U17
Venue: Mohamed VI Football Academy, Rabat
Goalscorers: Copelli (45’), Venturelli (58’), Robino (63’), Giudici (89’)
Possession: Italy 56% – Nigeria 44%
Shots on Target: Italy 7 – Nigeria 2
The Flamingos’ Round of 16 defeat at the U17 Women’s World Cup was their heaviest since debuting in 2008, underlining a need for stronger tactical balance and sharper execution in key moments.
The Decisive Moment
The turning point was undoubtedly the disallowed goal midway through the second half. With the score at 1–0, Queen Joseph’s effort could have changed the game’s complexion. Instead, after VAR ruled it out, Italy struck twice more within ten minutes.
That sequence exposed Nigeria’s lack of defensive concentration, a recurring issue that cost the team dearly in previous matches.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Nigeria, this Flamingos’ 4–0 loss to Italy signals the end of their U17 Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign and highlights several lessons for youth development. The defeat underscores the importance of investing in grassroots girls’ football in Nigeria, strengthening defensive organisation, and enhancing exposure to top-level international football.
For Italy, the victory sends the Azzurrine U17 Women to the quarter-finals, boosting their chances of a maiden U17 Women’s World Cup title. Their performance also highlights the growing technical gap between Europe and Africa at youth level. This is a gap Nigeria must bridge if it wants to remain competitive on the global stage.
Reaction and What’s Next
Speaking after the game, Coach Bankole Olowookere admitted the defeat was “painful but educational,” insisting that the Flamingos’ experience at the U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco will help shape the next generation of Nigeria’s women’s football stars.
Nigeria will now turn attention to preparations for the next CAF U17 Women’s qualifiers, with scouting and development expected to intensify at the state level. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly set to review the Flamingos’ performance and strengthen coaching support ahead of the next FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup cycle.
For the fans, this defeat is heartbreaking, but it also reaffirms the need to continue nurturing young female footballers; the lifeblood of Nigeria’s women’s football future. Stay with Hot Sports Scoops for exclusive Nigerian-focused sports coverage — home and abroad.