PHOTO: Canadian Melisa Kekic (9) is seen during Canada’s 4-1 win over Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup group play, in this handout photo, at Football Academy Mohammed VI in Sale, Morocco, on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (Canada Soccer/Handout/Canadian Press)
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, suffered a disappointing 4–1 defeat to Canada in their opening match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Sunday.
Canada started strongly, with Gabriella Istocki finding the net just two minutes into the game. Nigeria fought back, and Queen Joseph equalized in the 30th minute to make it 1–1 at halftime.
However, the second half belonged entirely to the Canadians. Milisa Kekic restored their lead in the 73rd minute before Julia Amireh sealed the victory with two late goals in the 80th and 86th minutes.
The Flamingos will now aim to bounce back in their next group match against France on Wednesday to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.
Canada will face Samoa in their next fixture, where a win would guarantee their passage to the next round.