Nigeria’s Flamingos have been knocked out of the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup following a 4-0 defeat to Italy on Tuesday, ending their campaign at the Round of 16 stage.
The 2022 bronze medallists went into the match hoping to continue their impressive run, but the Italians who have now won all four of their matches in the tournament proved too strong.
Nigeria came close to opening the scoring in the 24th minute when captain Shakirat Moshood’s powerful strike from the edge of the box was tipped round the post by Italian goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.
Italy broke the deadlock just before halftime through Anna Copelli, who skillfully evaded Nigeria’s defenders before slotting past goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.
Ten minutes into the second half, Nigeria thought they had equalized when Nguemo Terlumun found the net after a determined effort by Queen Joseph, but the goal was disallowed following a Video Support Review, which ruled that Joseph had kicked the ball from the goalkeeper’s hands.
Italy quickly capitalized, extending their lead three minutes later with a stunning long-range effort from Caterina Venturelli that sailed over Echefu. Five minutes after that, Giulia Robino made it 3-0, before Rachelle Giudici added a fourth in the 89th minute a goal confirmed by VAR after an offside check.
The heavy defeat brought Nigeria’s journey in the Morocco-hosted tournament to an end. The Flamingos will now turn their attention to preparations for the qualifying rounds of the next FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which will now be held annually.
