Nigeria’s Flamingos began their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign on the wrong foot after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening Group B encounter in Morocco on Saturday.
Goals from Wiktoria Skrzypczak and Natalia Skrok proved decisive for Poland at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, while Oluebube Umejiaku’s late strike offered Nigeria hope of a comeback that ultimately failed to materialise.
The defeat puts pressure on the Flamingos to respond in their remaining group matches as they seek to progress to the knockout stage of the competition.
Poland started the encounter with greater urgency and nearly took the lead when Skrok fired towards goal following a corner, but Elizabeth Adesuyi produced a crucial goal-line clearance to keep Nigeria on level terms.
The reprieve did not last long. Poland were awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho saved Zofia Cendrowska’s initial effort, with Ohunene Sunday penalised for a foul on the forward as she attempted to reach the rebound.
Skrzypczak stepped up and converted confidently in the 33rd minute to give Poland the lead.
Nigeria struggled to establish a consistent attacking rhythm after conceding, and Poland capitalised on another defensive lapse to extend their advantage in the 65th minute.
Blanka Zajac delivered a cross into the Nigerian penalty area, but the Flamingos failed to clear their lines, allowing Skrok to fire home through a crowd of players.
With Nigeria trailing by two goals, Umejiaku provided a lifeline in the 79th minute. Her inviting free-kick from the right evaded everyone in the penalty area and found the far corner to reduce the deficit.
The goal lifted Nigeria’s hopes of salvaging a point, and Umejiaku came close to completing the comeback when another opportunity fell her way inside the box. However, she was unable to get her feet organised to direct the ball towards goal.
Poland held firm in the closing stages to secure all three points, with Skrok earning the Player of the Match award for her influential performance.
Flamingos face early test in Group B
The loss leaves Nigeria with little room for error as they pursue a place in the knockout rounds of Morocco 2026.
The Flamingos entered the tournament aiming to improve on their Round of 16 exit at the previous edition, where they lost 4-0 to Italy. The 2022 bronze medallists had secured qualification for the Morocco tournament by overcoming Guinea and Benin Republic.
Nigeria will next face defending champions DPR Korea on October 20 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Puerto Rico on October 23.
DPR Korea, meanwhile, announced their title ambitions with a commanding 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their opening Group B fixture. Yu Jong-hyang and Kim Won-sim scored twice each, while Ri Ui-gyong and Ri Ye-rim also found the net.
The result means Nigeria face a demanding assignment against the reigning champions as they attempt to revive their campaign.
Morocco, Germany begin with victories
Hosts Morocco delighted their home supporters with a convincing 4-0 win over New Zealand in Group A.
After a goalless first half, Sonia Abajiou broke the deadlock in the 57th minute before an Eden Chaytor own goal doubled Morocco’s advantage. Substitute Imane Dhissi added a third in the 76th minute, and Hiba Youssoufi converted a penalty six minutes later to complete the scoring.
Germany also began their campaign with victory, recovering from an early setback to defeat Argentina 2-1.
Mercedes Diz put Argentina ahead in the ninth minute, but Johanna Hebben equalised for Germany before half-time. Mia Kuhn then scored the winner in the 52nd minute, completing the comeback after Argentina had been reduced to 10 players.
The opening-day results delivered contrasting fortunes for the four winning nations, with DPR Korea making the strongest statement through their six-goal demolition of Puerto Rico.
Matchday One Results at a Glance
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Group A
- Germany 2-1 Argentina
- Morocco 4-0 New Zealand
Group B
- DPR Korea 6-0 Puerto Rico
- Poland 2-1 Nigeria
Nigeria’s next fixtures
- October 20: Nigeria vs DPR Korea
- October 23: Nigeria vs Puerto Rico
