Flamingos beaten by Poland in 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 by Poland in Group B in Morocco on Saturday.

Poland took control through Wiktoria Skrzypczak’s first-half penalty and Natalia Skrok’s second-half strike. Substitute Oluebube Umejiaku pulled one back for Nigeria in the 79th minute, but the Flamingos could not find an equaliser.

Nigeria will look to respond against tournament debutants Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 20. Puerto Rico opened their campaign with a 6-0 defeat by reigning champions North Korea earlier on Saturday.

Poland had the first opportunity in the 14th minute, when Natalia Skrok missed the target. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi went close for Nigeria four minutes later, while Queen Joseph also had a chance in the 26th minute.

Poland were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute after Ohunene Sunday committed a foul, following a VAR review. Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted to give her side the lead.

Nigeria pressed for an equaliser before the break, with Mary Dunstan, Queen Joseph and Elizabeth Adesuyi all going close without finding the net.

Zofia Burzan missed an opportunity to extend Poland’s advantage three minutes after half-time, but Poland continued to apply pressure. Their second goal arrived in the 65th minute when Skrok found the net.

Skrzypczak was denied a second goal four minutes later, before Umejiaku gave Nigeria hope with an effort in the 79th minute.

The Flamingos appealed for a penalty late on, but a VAR check with four minutes remaining did not result in a spot-kick.

Match details

Poland 2-1 Nigeria

Scorers: Poland – Wiktoria Skrzypczak 33 minutes (penalty), Natalia Skrok 65; Nigeria – Oluebube Umejiaku 79.

Poland started with Hanna Buchta, Lena Saja, Zofia Switala, Natalia Skrok, Zofia Cendrowska, Wiktoria Skrzypczak, Nicola Galuszka, Helena Zarzycka, Zofia Burzan, Olga Polewska and Blanka Zajac.

Their substitutions were Michalina Wisniewska for Olga Polewska after 46 minutes, Maja Leskiewicz for Zofia Cendrowska after 61 minutes, Oliwia GREWLING Grewling for Wiktoria Skrzypczak after 73 minutes, and Laura Urbanczyk and Julia Kania for Natalia Skrok and Blanka Zajac respectively in the 90+3 minute.

Poland were managed by Paulina Kawalec.

Nigeria’s starting line-up was Jane Ijirigho, Elizabeth Adesuyi, Azeezat Oduntan, Ohunene Sunday, Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan, Chidi Harmony (captain), Favour Nkwocha, Tosin Rafiu, Esther Stephen and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.

Oluebube Umejiaku replaced Chidera Chidi and Awawu Bashiru replaced Mary Dunstan after 68 minutes. Kanyinsola Yusuf and Precious Oscar came on for Elizabeth Adesuyi and Queen Joseph after 78 minutes.

Nigeria’s head coach is Akeem Busari.