Flamingos beaten by Poland as late Umejiaku goal sparks brief comeback

Poland defeated Nigeria’s Flamingos 2-1 in their opening Group B match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

Wiktoria Skrzypczak’s penalty and Natalia Skrok’s second-half strike put Poland in control before substitute Oluebube Umejiaku reduced the deficit in the 79th minute. Nigeria pressed for an equaliser but could not rescue a point for head coach Akeem Busari’s side.

The Flamingos began brightly and created several opportunities during the opening stages. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi tested Poland’s defence in the 18th minute, while Queen Joseph also threatened as Nigeria looked to attack the spaces behind the European side’s back line.

Poland gradually took control, however, and moved ahead in the 33rd minute. After a Video Support review involving Nigerian defender Ohunene Sunday and a Polish attacker, the referee awarded a penalty. Skrzypczak converted from the spot to give Poland the lead.

Nigeria continued to search for a response before the interval, with Mary Dunstan, Joseph and Elizabeth Adesuyi involved in promising attacking moves. None of those opportunities produced an equaliser.

The Flamingos returned from half-time determined to recover but remained under pressure. Poland appeared to have doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

The second goal arrived two minutes later. Skrok capitalised on a poor clearance from the Nigerian defence and finished to put Poland 2-0 ahead.

Busari reacted by making attacking changes. Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru came on in the 68th minute for Harmony Chidi and Mary Dunstan, while Kanyinsola Yusuf and Precious Oscar were also introduced as Nigeria sought a way back into the match.

Umejiaku made an immediate impact, scoring in the 79th minute to bring Nigeria back to 2-1 and give the Flamingos hope of securing a result.

Nigeria continued to push in the closing stages, and a possible penalty incident involving Kemi Adegbuyi was reviewed in the 86th minute. The referee upheld the original decision, meaning Nigeria had to continue their search for a second goal without a spot-kick.

Poland held firm to claim all three points.

The result leaves Nigeria needing a strong response in their remaining Group B fixtures. They will play Puerto Rico on Tuesday, 20 October, before meeting Korea DPR on Friday, 23 October.

Puerto Rico also lost their opening match, going down 6-0 to defending champions Korea DPR.

Nigeria’s match details were:

– Poland U-17 2-1 Nigeria U-17 (Flamingos)
– Poland scorers: Wiktoria Skrzypczak 33′ (pen), Natalia Skrok 65′
– Nigeria scorer: Oluebube Umejiaku 79′
– Competition: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
– Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
– Venue: Morocco
– Nigeria head coach: Akeem Busari

The Flamingos have now lost their opening Group B fixture and must improve their defensive organisation and finishing against Puerto Rico if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.