Nigeria’s Flamingos have been eliminated from the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Italy on Tuesday. The result means Italy have now won all four of their matches in the tournament.
The 2022 bronze medallists started the game with determination, eager to prove their qualification to the Round of 16 was well-deserved. They almost took the lead in the 24th minute when captain Shakirat Moshood’s powerful shot from inside the box was pushed round the post by Italian goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.
Just before half-time, Anna Copelli gave Italy the lead after skillfully dribbling past the Nigerian defence and calmly slotting the ball beyond goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.
Ten minutes into the second half, Nigeria thought they had equalised when Nguemo Terlumun poked home following a determined run by Queen Joseph. However, the Video Support Review (VSR) ruled that Joseph had kicked the ball from the goalkeeper’s hands, cancelling the goal.
Italy doubled their lead three minutes later through a stunning long-range effort from Caterina Venturelli, which flew over Echefu and into the net. Giulia Robino made it 3-0 five minutes later, before Rachelle Giudici added a fourth in the 89th minute, with the VSR confirming the goal as legitimate.
The defeat brought Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco to an end. The Flamingos will now have to focus on preparations for the qualifying series for next year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which will now be held annually.
