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France coach Mickael Ferreira praises Flamingos’ spirit after narrow World Cup win
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
France U-17 Women’s head coach Mickael Ferreira has praised the resilience and quality of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team after his side’s hard-fought 1–0 victory in their second group-stage match at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Les Bleuettes claimed the win on Wednesday night thanks to a late strike from Maissa Fathallah, earning three vital points in their push for knockout-stage qualification.
Speaking after the game, Ferreira acknowledged the challenge posed by the Nigerian girls, describing them as “brave and united.”
“We knew it was going to be a tough match. This Nigerian team is very committed, very united, very brave,” Ferreira told reporters.
“We knew we had to rise to that challenge both individually and collectively. The girls responded really well, and I’m very happy with how they performed.”
The French coach also credited his players’ composure and tactical discipline, noting that overcoming a physically strong Nigerian side required patience and teamwork.
France’s win leaves them in a strong position heading into their final group match, while the Flamingos — who have now lost both of their opening games — face Samoa next in a must-win encounter to keep their qualification hopes alive.
