Flamingos’ 11-Game unbeaten run ends in thriller against New Zealand

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team suffered their first defeat in 11 matches after a pulsating 4–3 loss to New Zealand in a friendly match in Casablanca, Morocco.

The Flamingos took an early lead in the 13th minute through Queen Joseph, who finished off a brilliant through ball. New Zealand equalised soon after, but Shakirat Moshood restored Nigeria’s advantage before halftime with a stunning long-range effort.

The second half turned into a goal fest, with New Zealand’s Laura Bennett netting a hat-trick as both teams traded goals in an end-to-end contest. Ayo levelled the score at 3–3 with a fine strike, but Candy Sienna struck in the 80th minute to hand New Zealand the win.

Despite the loss, the Flamingos’ impressive run continues to inspire confidence. They have now scored 47 goals and conceded just four in their last 12 games.

Next up for Bankole Olowookere’s side is a final warm-up fixture against Paraguay, before the team heads to Rabat for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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