End Of The Road: Italy Sweep Past Flamingos To End Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes

End Of The Road: Italy Sweep Past Flamingos To End Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria U17 women's national team, Flamingos have bowed out of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup following a 4–0 loss to Italy in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, ending the team’s hopes of building on their bronze-medal finish at the 2022 edition, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Italians, who have maintained a perfect record with four wins from four matches, proved too strong for the young Nigerians at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

The Flamingos started brightly and nearly took the lead in the 24th minute when Captain Shakirat Moshood forced a fine save from Italian goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni, who parried her powerful left-footed strike around the post.

However, just before halftime, Anna Copelli broke the deadlock for Italy after weaving through the Nigerian defence and calmly slotting past goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.

Nigeria thought they had equalised 10 minutes into the second half when Nguemo Terlumun bundled the ball home after Queen Joseph’s effort, but a Video Support Review (VSR) ruled that Joseph had kicked the ball out of the goalkeeper’s hands, and the goal was disallowed.

Three minutes later, Italy doubled their lead through Caterina Venturelli, whose audacious long-range effort flew over Echefu and nestled into the net.

The Europeans extended their dominance in the 63rd minute when Giulia Robino added a third, before Rachelle Giudici sealed the victory with a late strike in the 89th minute, confirmed as valid after another VSR check.

The heavy defeat ended Nigeria’s campaign at the tournament, which has seen Italy emerge as one of the competition’s standout teams.

Despite the disappointment, Nigeria football federation is expected to begin immediate preparations for the qualifying series of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which has now become an annual event on FIFA’s competition calendar.

In this year's edition, Nigeria won one game, lost three and in the process conceded nine goals and scored five.