Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, will be seeking redemption when they face France in their second Group D match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Wednesday (today), following a disappointing 4–1 defeat to Canada in their opening fixture.
The West Africans endured a tough start in Salé, where defensive lapses cost them dearly despite an energetic display that saw Queen Joseph score Nigeria’s only goal.
With the loss leaving them bottom of the table on zero points and a minus-three goal difference, anything short of victory against France at 8 pm Nigerian time could effectively end their campaign.
Wednesday’s encounter carries extra significance as the last time both nations met at this level was 13 years ago in Azerbaijan, when Nigeria held France to a goalless draw in regulation time before losing 5–3 on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Their opponents, France, arrive in a confident mood after a commanding 4–2 win over Samoa. Known for their fluid attacking football and tactical discipline, the Europeans will be a stern test for Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side, who must now balance defensive discipline with sharper attacking execution.
Speaking to NFF media ahead of the game, Flamingos captain Shakirat Moshood said the players have regrouped mentally and are determined to respond strongly.
‘We are not happy about our first game, but for the second match against France, we are going to win because we are ready for them’, Moshood said.
‘We have been working very hard for this second match. I know we are going to win by the grace of God’.
The captain also revealed that the players have been motivating each other and are focused on delivering a performance worthy of Nigerian fans.
‘We talked to ourselves and encouraged one another. No matter what, we must always work hard and stay focused while preparing for the next match’, she added.
Addressing Nigerians who were disappointed by the team’s opening defeat, Moshood offered an apology and a promise.
‘First, I want to say we are sorry for the first game. We promise that in the next match, we are going to do better. We will make Nigerians proud and happy’.
Coach Olowookere’s side are expected to line up with renewed intent, tightening their transitions and maintaining compactness, particularly against France’s quick attacking movements.
In the team’s last training session, Olowookere focused on correcting the defensive lapses seen in their first group game against Canada. Tactical drills covered defensive structure, corner-kick organisation, and overall game management.
The coach had deliberately cancelled Monday’s training, as the coaching staff opted instead for motivation through team games, talks, and video corrections to lift morale.
Super Falcons stars Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Joy Omewa, Taiwo Afolabi, Miracle Usani and Folashade Ijamilusi also sent in video messages to encourage and inspire the girls ahead of the France clash.
