Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, continued their impressive form ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025, defeating Paraguay 3–2 in an entertaining friendly match in Casablanca, Morocco.
The Flamingos wasted no time showing their attacking intent. Barely two minutes into the match, goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface launched a precise long ball deep into the Paraguay half. Striker Shakirat Moshood controlled beautifully and set up Mariam Yahaya, who displayed great composure to chip the goalkeeper and give Nigeria a 1–0 lead.
However, the South Americans responded quickly. In the 15th minute, a defensive error from Christiana Sunday allowed Paraguay to grab the equalizer, punishing a momentary lapse in Nigeria’s defense.
As halftime approached, the Flamingos regained control of the game. In the 44th minute, Yahaya restored Nigeria’s lead after another smart attacking move. Just a minute later, she struck again, completing her hat-trick after a clever assist from Kaosarat Olanrewaju. The Flamingos went into the break leading 3–1, their confidence growing with every attack.
In the second half, Nigeria continued to dominate possession and territory. Shakirat Moshood and Ayomide Abubakar came close to extending the lead, testing the Paraguayan goalkeeper with dangerous efforts. Substitute Sylvia Echefu was also impressive between the posts, making a few key saves late in the game.
Paraguay managed to pull one back toward the end, but the Flamingos stayed composed to see out a 3–2 win, another morale-boosting result as they fine-tune their preparations for the big stage.
With their stay in Casablanca now over, the team will move to Rabat on Wednesday morning to conclude final preparations ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to kick off on October 17, 2025.
Nigeria, drawn in Group D, faces a tough lineup but remains one of the favorites, given their form and attacking power.
Group D Fixtures:
🇳🇬 Nigeria vs Canada – October 19, 8:00 PM
🇳🇬 Nigeria vs France – October 22, 8:00 PM
🇳🇬 Nigeria vs Samoa – October 25, 5:00 PM
The Flamingos are eyeing another historic run after winning bronze at the 2022 World Cup in India, Nigeria’s best-ever finish at the tournament. With a solid defense, clinical finishing, and renewed team spirit, Coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls look ready to challenge the world once again.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, fans across Nigeria will be hoping this group of talented youngsters can soar even higher, and perhaps bring home the nation’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
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