2022 bronze medallists Nigeria have been eliminated from the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Italy on Tuesday. The Italians maintained their perfect record in the tournament, making it four wins in four matches.
The Flamingos started the game with determination, aiming to prove that their place in the Round of 16 was well deserved. Captain Shakirat Moshood came close in the 24th minute, but her powerful strike from the left side of the penalty area was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.
Just before half-time, Anna Copelli gave Italy the lead after skilfully beating the Nigerian defence and calmly slotting past goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.
Nigeria thought they had equalised ten minutes into the second half when Nguemo Terlumun tapped home after Queen Joseph’s effort, but the Video Support Review disallowed the goal, ruling that Joseph had kicked the ball from Robbioni’s hands.
Moments later, Caterina Venturelli doubled Italy’s lead with a stunning long-range strike that sailed over Echefu and into the net. Giulia Robino made it 3-0 five minutes later, and in the 89th minute, a VAR review confirmed Rachelle Giudici’s goal as legitimate despite offside appeals.
The heavy defeat ended Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco, but the Flamingos will now look ahead to preparations for the qualifying series of the next FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which will now be held annually.