U-17 Women’s World Cup draw: Nigeria, Zambia, Cameroon know opponents

Photo Credit - FIFA.

The draw for the 2025 under 17 FIFA Women's World Cup has been concluded as countries gear up for the ninth edition in Morocco. Nigeria's U-17 Flamingos opponents have been made known for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup as they head into the competition in Group D with Canada, France, and Samoa.

This was made known when the draw ceremony for the competition's ninth edition was held on Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat, Morocco.

Nigeria is set for a tough challenge in their group, drawn against Canada and France. While Samoa will be making their debut appearance at the U-17 Women's World Cup, the Nigerian side has history with their other opponents.

The Flamingos previously faced Canada in the 2014 U-17 Women's World Cup group stage, playing out a 2-2 draw. They also have a notable past encounter with France, having met them in the quarter-finals of the 2022 U-17 Women's World Cup, where Nigeria won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

Meanwhile hosts, Morocco who are placed in group A, will be looking to make a strong showing on home soil as they face a formidable challenge in Brazil, a perennial powerhouse and also contend with strong European and CONCACAF opposition in Italy and Costa Rica.

In Group B Cameroon faces a tough assignment drawn alongside defending champions Korea DPR, a strong Mexico side, and the Netherlands. Group C sees China PR, Ecuador, Norway, and the United States, a powerhouse in women's football, who undoubtedly enter as strong contenders.

Debutants Côte d'Ivoire will have a demanding introduction in Group E. They are drawn against tough opponents including Colombia, Korea Republic, and a strong Spanish side.

Also Zambia, another African representative, drawn into Group F, will face formidable challenges from Asian powerhouse Japan, Oceania's New Zealand, and South American side Paraguay.

Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each of the six groups, plus the four best third-placed teams, will progress to the Round of 16. This is the same stage where the Flamingos exited the competition last year in the Dominican Republic.

Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side finished third in the 2022 edition in India, and aim to take it a step further in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.