U-17 World Cup: Nigeria paid dearly against Canada for missed chances – Olowookeree

Nigeria kicked off their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a 4-1 defeat against Canada in their Group D opener at Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2 in Morocco on Sunday.

Gabriela Istocki shocked Nigeria with a two minute goal before Queen Joseph pounced on a loose ball to equalize for the African side for a 1-1 result at the half-time break. However, the second half saw Nigeria drop the ball allowing Canada to fully take dominance.

🚨🇳🇬 FT Nigeria 1-4 Canada

The Flamingos suffer defeat in their World Cup opener against Canada. #U17WWC pic.twitter.com/4PLsQ9RK0q

— GNB Official (@GHNaijaBallers) October 19, 2025

Melisa Kekic cut inside her marker and found the bottom corner to give Canada a 2-1 lead after the break, before  Julia Amireh rose from the bench to give herself a memorable 17th birthday present in the form of a brace in the 80th and 86th minutes respectively.

‘We had our chances in the first half’

Speaking after the game, Nigeria coach Bankole Olowookere dropping their game in the second half denied them a famous win against Canada. He further said his side failed to use the many chances they created in the first half and it affected her players.

“This was a huge game. Sometimes mistakes happen. We had our chances at the first half. We didn’t take advantage of them and we paid dearly for it. I think it’s a lesson we’ll keep learning, and then we’ll go back and watch how we played and see how we bounce back,” Olowookere told FIFA.com after the game.

Canada coach Jen Herst spoke highly of Nigeria despite the heavy defeat by saying: “We knew Nigeria were going to be a physical team that they were going to be strong in the transition. We were prepared to weather that storm in the first half.

“We made a couple of tweaks at half-time in terms of us being higher, being more aggressive, and looking to get pressure on them higher up the pitch with our wingers, with our full-backs. I think that really turned the tide and put it into our favour.”

Nigeria will return to action for matchday two fixture against France at Mohammed VI Football Academy on Wednesday, October 22.