Nigeria Leagues
Canada 4-1 Nigeria: Canucks outclass Flamingos in U17 WWC Group D opener
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Canada’s U-17 women’s team made a strong statement in their opening match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a comprehensive 4–1 victory over Nigeria’s Flamingos on Sunday at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Salé, near Rabat.
The North Americans got off to a flying start, taking the lead in just the second minute. A quick run down the left flank by Molly Hale set up Gabriela Istocki, who calmly finished to give Canada an early advantage.
Nigeria responded positively and dominated periods of the first half. Team captain Shakirat Moshood came close twice in quick succession—first with a powerful long-range effort that was parried by Canadian goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse, and then with a volley that narrowly missed the target.
The pressure paid off in the 30th minute when Kaosarat Olanrewaju’s shot was spilled by Cisse, allowing Queen Joseph to pounce and level the score for the Flamingos.
The two sides went into halftime tied at 1–1, but Canada regained control in the second half.
Despite early pressure from Nigeria after the break, the Canadians reclaimed the lead in the 73rd minute through substitute Melisa Kekic, who turned her marker inside the box and slotted home past goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface.
Canada extended their advantage in the 80th minute following a defensive mix-up. Boniface failed to collect a loose ball under pressure, allowing Julia Amireh to score into an open net.
Amireh then completed her brace six minutes later, sprinting clear of the Nigerian defence to finish clinically and wrap up a dominant performance.
Nigeria will aim to recover from the defeat when they face France in their second Group D fixture on Wednesday.
