Nigeria Flamingos Lose 2-1 to Poland in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Opener

Nigeria’s Flamingos began their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their Group B opener in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday.

Wiktoria Skrzypczak and Natalia Skrok scored for Poland before Nigeria pulled one back in the 79th minute through a goal officially credited to Oluebube Umejiaku, who appeared to get a slight touch on a ball delivered by substitute Kanyinsola Yusuf.

Yusuf made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, helping Nigeria get back into the contest, but the Flamingos could not find an equaliser despite late pressure.

The result leaves Nigeria without a point after their opening match, with Puerto Rico next up for head coach Akeem Busari’s side.

Poland Take First-Half Lead

Poland started brightly and threatened Nigeria’s goal in the opening stages. Natalia Skrok had an effort towards the bottom corner, but Elizabeth Adesuyi produced a goal-line clearance to keep the Flamingos in the game.

The hosts eventually took the lead in the 33rd minute after goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho saved Zofia Cendrowska’s initial attempt. However, Ohunene Sunday was penalised for a foul on the Polish forward as she attempted to reach the rebound.

Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted the resulting penalty into the bottom-right corner to give Poland a 1-0 advantage.

Nigeria tried to respond before the break, with Queen Joseph and Mary Dunstan among those attempting to trouble the Polish defence, but the hosts went into half-time ahead.

Skrok Doubles Poland’s Advantage

The Flamingos returned for the second half looking to get back on level terms, but Poland extended their lead in the 65th minute.

Blanka Zajac delivered a cross into the Nigerian penalty area, and after the Flamingos failed to clear the ball, Skrok fired home through a crowd of players to make it 2-0.

Busari responded with substitutions, introducing Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 68th minute for Mary Dunstan and captain Chidera Harmony Chidi.

Nigeria needed a response, and the substitutes helped provide fresh energy as the Flamingos pushed forward.

Yusuf Makes Immediate Impact as Umejiaku Gets Goal Credit

Busari made further changes in the 78th minute, bringing on Kanyinsola Yusuf for Elizabeth Adesuyi and Precious Oscar for Queen Joseph.

Yusuf made an immediate impact as Nigeria pulled a goal back in the 79th minute following a free-kick into the Polish penalty area.

The goal was initially credited to Yusuf, but it was later awarded to Umejiaku, who appeared to get a slight touch on the ball before it crossed the line.

The goal reduced Poland’s lead to 2-1 and gave Nigeria renewed hope of securing a late equaliser.

The Flamingos pushed forward in the closing stages, with Yusuf, Oscar and Favour Nkwocha attempting efforts on goal. Nigeria also had a penalty appeal reviewed in the 86th minute, but no penalty was awarded.

Despite eight minutes of added time, the Flamingos could not find another goal as Poland held on for the victory.

Match Statistics: Poland vs Nigeria

Poland were more clinical in front of goal, recording 13 shots, with seven on target, compared with Nigeria’s 12 attempts and two shots on target.

The hosts enjoyed 56 per cent possession against Nigeria’s 44 per cent and registered an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.50, compared with the Flamingos’ 0.43.

Nigeria goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho made three saves, while Poland’s goalkeeper recorded one.

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Group B Standings

1. Korea DPR: 3 pts (+6)

2. Poland: 3 pts (+1)

3. Nigeria: 0 pts (-1)

4. Puerto Rico: 0 pts (-6)

Flamingos Face Puerto Rico Next

Nigeria will face Puerto Rico in their second Group B match on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at 19:00 West Africa Time (WAT).

The Flamingos will then take on Korea DPR in their final group-stage fixture on Friday, 23 October, at 16:00 WAT.

The top two teams in each group will qualify automatically for the Round of 16, alongside the four best third-placed teams across the six groups.

Nigeria still have an opportunity to recover from their opening defeat, but a positive result against Puerto Rico will be important to their qualification hopes.

Full-time: Poland 2-1 Nigeria

Goals: Wiktoria Skrzypczak 33' (penalty), Natalia Skrok 65'; Oluebube Umejiaku 79'.

Next match: Nigeria vs Puerto Rico, Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 19:00 WAT.