Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have been eliminated from the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup following a disappointing 4–0 loss to Italy in the Round of 16 on Tuesday at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s hopes of building on their historic bronze-medal finish at the 2022 edition, as the Italians continued their perfect run with a fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.
The match started positively for Nigeria, with Captain Shakirat Moshood coming close to giving the Flamingos the lead in the 24th minute. Her powerful left-footed strike was, however, pushed around the post by Italian goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.
Italy took control just before halftime when Anna Copelli dazzled through Nigeria’s defence and calmly slotted past Sylvia Echefu to make it 1–0.
Nigeria thought they had drawn level ten minutes into the second half after Nguemo Terlumun bundled in from close range following Queen Joseph’s effort. But after a Video Support Review (VSR), the goal was ruled out for a foul, as Joseph was adjudged to have kicked the ball out of the goalkeeper’s hands.
The disallowed goal appeared to deflate the Nigerian side, and Italy quickly capitalized. Three minutes later, Caterina Venturelli struck a sensational long-range effort that looped over Echefu to double the lead.
The Italians continued their dominance, with Giulia Robino adding a third in the 63rd minute, before Rachelle Giudici put the icing on the cake in the 89th minute — her goal confirmed after another VSR check.
The result means Nigeria exit the competition after winning just one match, losing three, scoring five goals, and conceding nine.
Despite the early exit, attention now turns to rebuilding, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is expected to begin immediate preparations for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, with the tournament now an annual fixture on FIFA’s competition calendar.
Italy, on the other hand, march into the quarterfinals as one of the tournament’s standout teams, showcasing impressive form and tactical discipline throughout their campaign.
