Flamingos battle Italy for U

Nigeria women’s U-17 team, the Flamingos, will face a formidable Italian side in the round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Tuesday (today), with a place in the quarter-finals on the line, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The encounter is set for Pitch 2 of the Football Academy Mohamed VI in Rabat, and promises to be one of the most intriguing fixtures of the knockout stage.

This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations at this level. Italy, who have been one of the tournament’s most impressive teams, qualified as Group A leaders after a flawless run of three straight victories, a thrilling 4–3 win over Brazil, a 3–1 triumph over hosts Morocco, and a convincing 3–0 victory over Costa Rica.

Led by in-form striker Giulia Galli, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, the Italians have shown attacking flair and defensive discipline in equal measure, making them strong favourites heading into the tie.

Nigeria, meanwhile, reached the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams after a rocky start in Group D.

The Flamingos lost their opening two matches, 4–1 to Canada and 1–0 to France, but produced a resounding 4–0 victory over Samoa in their final group game to revive their campaign and secure a knockout berth.

In that must-win match, winger Tabitha Terlumun delivered a standout performance, setting up Queen Joseph’s second goal with a precise low cross and winning a penalty early in the second half.

Her energy, pace, and creativity on the right flank were instrumental in Nigeria’s dominant display, earning her widespread praise for her growing influence in the attack.

Reflecting on the team’s journey so far, Terlumun admitted that the early defeats were painful but said the squad had learnt vital lessons.

“It was a tough one, but I believe we had everything it takes to win those matches,” she said.

“Our match against Canada was so unfortunate because we played very well in the first half, but in the second half we just lost everything. There was no confidence again, it was unbelievable because we never imagined losing that game.”

With the Italians next in line, the lively winger expressed confidence that Nigeria could rise to the occasion if they maintain unity and focus.

“We believe that if we bring together the mindset we used against France and Samoa, we can make it past the quarter-finals,” she said.

“It’s a knockout stage, so anything can happen. If we stay united, play with confidence, and give everything, I believe we will win. We have what it takes to go all the way.”

Bankole Olowookere is expected to retain the core of the side that dismantled Samoa, banking on the combination of attacking sharpness and defensive stability that proved effective in Salé.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8 pm Nigeria time, with the winner progressing to the quarter-finals to face the winner between Paraguay and Mexico in what is shaping up to be a decisive battle of grit and ambition.

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