U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos seek first win after Poland defeat

Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will seek their first victory at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup when they face Puerto Rico on Tuesday after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening Group B match in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday.

Hakeem Busari-led side must respond against Puerto Rico to revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage after failing to recover from Poland’s two-goal advantage.

Goals from Skrzypczak and Natalia Skrok secured all three points for the Europeans, while Olubebube Umejiaku’s late free-kick proved insufficient to spark a Nigerian comeback.

Poland’s greater urgency in the opening half paid off in the 33rd minute when they won a penalty after Nigeria’s Ohunene Sunday obstructed forward Ijirigho inside the box. Skrzypczak converted the spot-kick to give Poland the lead.

Nigeria struggled to find an equaliser before Poland doubled their advantage in the 65th minute. Skrok fired home from close range after the Flamingos failed to clear their lines following Blank Zajac’s cross into the Nigerian penalty area.

The Flamingos reduced the deficit in the 79th minute when Umejiaku curled a superb free-kick from the right into the far corner, giving Nigeria renewed hope of salvaging a point.

Umejiaku threatened again minutes later, but her control let her down as Nigeria pushed for an equaliser. Poland held firm to secure the victory and leave the Flamingos facing an early test of their tournament ambitions.

The defeat puts additional pressure on Nigeria ahead of Tuesday’s encounter with Puerto Rico, who suffered a heavy 6-0 loss to defending champions DPR Korea in the group’s other opening fixture.

A victory against Puerto Rico would give the Flamingos an opportunity to recover ground in Group B before their final group match against DPR Korea on Friday.

However, Nigeria must improve their attacking efficiency and defensive organisation after failing to convert their late momentum against Poland into a result.

The Flamingos have a history of strong performances at the U17 Women’s World Cup, having finished third in 2022 and 2024. Their experience at the tournament will be crucial as they attempt to avoid an early exit in Morocco.

With DPR Korea already demonstrating their attacking threat, securing maximum points against Puerto Rico could prove decisive to Nigeria’s chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.