Nigeria’ Flamingos hope of matching or surpassing their 2022 bronze medal finish were dashed on Tuesday night after a heavy 4–0 defeat to a ruthless Italian side in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025.
The match, held at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2 in Sale, saw Italy continue their perfect run in the tournament, making it four wins out of four, while the Flamingos bowed out after a spirited but error-prone performance.
Read More: Flamingos Ready to Hand Italy First Defeat at U-17 World Cup
Flamingos Start Bright but Falter Before Halftime
The Flamingos began the match with determination and confidence, looking to silence critics who had labeled their Round of 16 qualification a fluke.
Their early intent nearly paid off in the 24th minute when Captain Shakirat Moshood unleashed a fierce shot from the left side of the penalty area, only to see her effort pushed round the post by Italian goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.
Nigeria looked composed for most of the first half, holding off Italy’s waves of attack until the 45th minute, when Anna Copelli danced past two defenders before coolly slotting home to give the Europeans a 1–0 halftime lead.
VAR Drama and Italy’s Second-Half Dominance
Ten minutes into the second half, Nigeria thought they had equalized through Nguemo Terlumun, who poked home after Queen Joseph battled for the ball inside the box.
However, the Video Support Review (VAR) overturned the goal, ruling that Joseph had kicked the ball out of the goalkeeper’s hands in the build-up.
The decision seemed to deflate the Nigerians, and Italy took full advantage. Just three minutes later (58th minute), Caterina Venturelli produced an audacious long-range strike that sailed over Sylvia Echefu and nestled into the net for 2–0.
The floodgates opened as Giulia Robino added a third goal in the 63rd minute from a curling free-kick, before Rachele Giudici capped off the rout in the 89th minute.
Another VAR check confirmed that she was onside, sealing a comprehensive 4–0 victory for the Italians.
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“It’s Quite Painful” – Flamingos Coach Olowookere
After the match, Nigeria’s Women U17 head coach, Bankole Olowookere was disappointed at the result but praised his players for their fight and experience gained on the global stage.
“Honestly, it’s quite painful. We came into the game with the mindset of doing something special, making sure that we win and we progress to the next stage.”
“Unfortunately, we held the game for 44 minutes before the painful goal came in and it was all squandered in the second half,” Olowookere told reporters.
“It’s one of those things. The players gained a lot of experience. Going to the World Cup, having met many other nations, many other players all together, those experiences go a long way to help their career, to make them superstars in the future.”
Following their elimination, Olowookere shared and warned that the team must begin preparations immediately for the next U-17 World Cup qualifiers, as the competition now takes place annually.
Italy Coach Schiavi Applauds Her Team’s Growth
Italian coach Viviana Schiavi was full of praise for her side’s performance and mentality, describing the win as a result of growing confidence and cohesion.
“Above all we are very proud and very happy with what the girls are showing on the pitch, game after game, continuing to grow in courage and confidence,” Schiavi said.
“The idea is to continue like this until the end. It was a difficult game, an intense game from minute one to the end.”
“Once we broke through, the girls gained even more courage and went on to close out the game.”
Full-Time Summary
Italy 4–0 Nigeria
Goals: Copelli (45’), Venturelli (58’), Robino (63’), Giudici (89’)
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2, Sale
Result: Italy advance to quarter-finals; Nigeria eliminated
Elsewhere in the Tournament: Hosts Morocco Fall to Champions Korea DPR
In another Round of 16 fixture, defending champions Korea DPR thrashed host nation Morocco 6-1 at the Stade Olympique de Rabat.
Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang bagged a brace (3’, 79’), with Kim Won-sim (10’), Ri Kyong-im (42’), Diyen own goal (43’), and Ri Jin-a (71’) all on target before Maissane Ferkous scored Morocco’s consolation in the 89th minute.
Moroccan defender Maryam Rahmoune admitted the loss was tough to take but highlighted the team’s youth and potential for future growth:
“We gave it our all, we prepared well,” she said.
“First of all, we passed the group stage. It was wonderful for us, it was a dream. We had not at all expected this match to turn out like that. Of course, we were expecting to win.”
“But I think it’s mostly mental fatigue. We have young players, some born in 2011 and 2009. They still have a lot to learn. I am sure that next year, they will do much better and make a big impact.”
Next Up
Italy’s victory sets up a quarter-final clash with the winner of the Japan vs Colombia tie, while Korea DPR continue their title defense.
