Get Guardian on GoogleNigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, will kick off their 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign on Sunday against Canada at the Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 2) in Salé, Morocco.
It will be a repeat of their 2012 encounter, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Thirteen years on, both teams return with renewed ambitions and refined tactical identities.
Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side arrived in Rabat buoyed by a productive preparation phase marked by high-scoring friendlies and disciplined performances. Known for their “high-pressing football,” the Flamingos impressed with creativity and resilience, notably defeating Paraguay 3–2 after a narrow loss to New Zealand.
Their opponents, Canada, are traditionally strong and tactically structured, posing a tough physical test. Nigeria will rely on composure, efficiency, and attacking flair to secure a winning start in Group D, which also features France and Samoa.
After a third-place finish in India (2022) and a quarterfinal run in the Dominican Republic, the Flamingos are determined to make a deeper push this time around.
