

Nigeria’s Flamingos suffered a setback in their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign, opening Group B with a narrow 2-1 defeat against Poland at the Women’s Football Complex in Rabat.
The European side took the lead in the 33rd minute when Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted from the penalty spot following a foul inside the area. Poland doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Natalia Skrok finished off a cross from Blanka Zajac, placing the Flamingos under heavy pressure as they searched for a way back into the encounter.
Nigeria mounted a late response in the 79th minute as Oluebube Umejiaku pulled a goal back, but despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, the Flamingos were unable to produce an equalizer.
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The outcome leaves Nigeria level on zero points with Puerto Rico at the bottom of Group B, while Poland and defending champions Korea DPR lead the standings with three points each. Korea DPR opened their campaign in commanding fashion with a 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico.
Head coach Akeem Busari’s side, who entered the global tournament on the back of a championship-winning run at the WAFU-B U-17 Girls’ Championship in Ivory Coast, now turn their attention to a crucial fixture against Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 20.
The Flamingos will then complete their group-stage matches against four-time champions Korea DPR on Friday, October 23, with the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 16.

