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Flamingos crash out of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after loss to Italy
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team were eliminated from the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Tuesday following a 4-0 defeat to Italy, who maintained their perfect record with four wins from four matches.
The 2022 bronze medallists began brightly and could have taken the lead in the 24th minute when captain Shakirat Moshood’s fierce effort from the left side of the box was pushed away by Italian goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.
Just before halftime, Anna Copelli broke the deadlock for Italy, weaving past Nigeria’s defence before calmly slotting past Sylvia Echefu.
Flamingos thought they had equalised ten minutes into the second half when Nguemo Terlumun bundled home after a determined run by Queen Joseph, but the Video Support Review (VSR) disallowed the goal, ruling that Joseph had kicked the ball out of Robbioni’s hands.
Moments later, Caterina Venturelli doubled Italy’s advantage with a spectacular long-range strike that sailed over Echefu. Giulia Robino made it 3-0 five minutes later, before a late Rachelle Giudici goal — confirmed by VSR after an offside check — sealed the emphatic 4-0 victory.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco, but the Flamingos will now turn their focus to preparations for the qualifying series for next year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals, which will now be held annually.
