Nigeria’s Flamingos began their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign on a disappointing note, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening Group B match at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Trybal News reports.
Goals from Wiktoria Skrzypczak and Natalia Skrok secured victory for Poland, despite a late response from Oluebube Umejiaku that gave Nigeria hope of rescuing a point.
Poland took the lead in the 33rd minute after being awarded a penalty, which Skrzypczak converted confidently into the bottom-right corner, leaving goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho with little chance.
The European side doubled their advantage in the 65th minute through Skrok, leaving Nigeria with an uphill task in the closing stages.
Head coach Akeem Busari responded with a series of substitutions, introducing Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru in the 68th minute before bringing on Kanyinsola Yusuf and Precious Oscar ten minutes later.
The changes brought renewed attacking impetus, with Umejiaku finding the net to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish.
Nigeria’s hopes of completing a comeback suffered another setback in the 86th minute when a potential penalty was overturned following a VAR review. Poland held on to claim all three points and leave the Flamingos needing a positive response in their next outing.
Nigeria will face Puerto Rico on Tuesday, seeking their first win of the tournament and a chance to revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Poland will also be in action on Tuesday against North Korea as they look to build on their opening victory.
