U17 WWC: Flamingos’ unbeaten run ends in 4–3 loss to New Zealand
Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, saw their impressive 10-game unbeaten streak ended on Saturday night in Casablanca with a 4–3 defeat to New Zealand in a thrilling friendly encounter ahead of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Despite the defeat, their first in 11 tune-up games, the Flamingos produced a spirited performance, showing attacking flair and resilience that will serve them well when the tournament begins later this month.
Read Also: Flamingos set to depart for Morocco ahead of U17 Women’s World Cup
Nigeria made a bright start, earning an early corner and dominating possession. Captain Shakirat Moshood was lively in attack, while goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface made a crucial early save to deny New Zealand a free kick.
Their early pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Queen Joseph opened the scoring with a composed finish after a well-timed through ball.
New Zealand responded in the 25th minute through Laura Bennett, who became the first player to score against Nigeria in their preparatory matches.
Though the Kiwis briefly thought they had taken the lead, their second strike was ruled offside. Moshood then restored Nigeria’s advantage with a brilliant long-range goal in the 42nd minute, sending the team into halftime 2–1 ahead.
The second half was end-to-end. Joseph almost made it 3–1 but struck the post before Bennett equalised again in the 55th minute.
She completed her hat-trick in the 74th minute to put New Zealand 3–2 in front, but Nigeria quickly levelled through Ayo’s powerful effort from distance.
However, just as the Flamingos looked to be back in control, Candy Sienna scored a stunning winner in the 80th minute to give the Kiwis victory. Nigeria created several late chances but couldn’t find the equaliser.
The Nigerian side will next face Paraguay in another warm-up game before heading to Rabat for the World Cup.
