FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2026: Nigeria’s Flamingos lose opening match to Poland

Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, lost 1-2 to Poland on Saturday night in the first match of the ongoing 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Rabat, Morocco.

Both teams had moments of possession in the first 30 minutes before Poland were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute.

Following a check by the Video Support system, the referee pointed to the spot after an incident involving the Nigerian defender and a Polish attacker. Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted to give Poland the lead.

The goal separated both teams at half-time, with Akeem Busari’s side needing a response after the break.

Poland thought they had doubled their lead in the 63rd minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Natalia Skrok made it 2-0 two minutes later, taking advantage of a poor pass from the Nigerian defense.

Busari responded with a double substitution in the 68th minute, introducing Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru for Harmony Chidi and Mary Dunstan.

He would also make two more substitutions ten minutes later, with Kanyinsola Yusuf and Precious Oscar replacing Queen Joseph and Adesuyi.

The changes paid off in the 79th minute when Yusuf pulled one back for Nigeria shortly after coming on, giving the Flamingos hope of salvaging a result.

Nigeria appealed an 86th-minute penalty following an incident involving Kemi Adegbuyi, but the referee upheld his original decision after another review.

The Flamingos push for the equalizer but Poland resists and takes the three points.

Nigeria will look to bounce back when they face Puerto Rico in their next Group B match on Tuesday 20 October 2026 before facing North Korea on Friday 23 October.