Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, saw their ten-match unbeaten streak come to an end on Saturday morning following a thrilling 4–3 defeat to New Zealand in Casablanca.
It was the Flamingos’ first loss in 11 warm-up games ahead of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Despite the result, coach Bankole Olowookere’s side impressed with their attacking play, showing signs of promise as they continue preparations for the tournament.
The match was full of excitement and attacking football from both teams. Nigeria started brightly, pressing high and forcing an early corner within two minutes. Captain Shakirat Moshood looked sharp in midfield, while goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface made an excellent save from a New Zealand free kick.
The Flamingos’ dominance paid off in the 13th minute when Queen Joseph calmly slotted home after a clever through ball. New Zealand equalised in the 25th minute through Laura Bennett — the first goal Nigeria had conceded in their entire build-up series.
The Kiwis thought they had gone ahead moments later, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Moshood then restored Nigeria’s lead with a stunning long-range effort in the 42nd minute, giving the Flamingos a 2–1 advantage at half-time.
In the second half, New Zealand came out stronger. Joseph nearly made it 3–1, but her strike hit the post, and Bennett levelled the score again in the 55th minute before completing her hat-trick in the 74th to put her side ahead.
Nigeria fought back through Ayo’s powerful effort from distance to make it 3–3, but Candy Sienna’s brilliant strike in the 80th minute sealed a dramatic 4–3 victory for the Kiwis.
The Flamingos pushed hard in the closing minutes but were unable to find another goal against a disciplined New Zealand defence.
The loss brings to an end Nigeria’s impressive ten-game unbeaten run, during which they scored 47 goals and conceded only four.
The Flamingos will face Paraguay next in their final warm-up match before heading to Rabat, where they will begin their World Cup campaign in Group D against Canada, France, and Samoa on 19 October.