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Nigeria’s U17 women’s team saw their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup dream end painfully on Tuesday after a 4-0 defeat to Italy in the Round of 16 at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
The Flamingos, who progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, faced a ruthless Italian side that had won all their group matches.
Captain Shakirat Moshood almost gave Nigeria a perfect start, but her early effort went straight at the goalkeeper. She remained the team’s liveliest attacker, testing the Italian defence again midway through the first half, though her finishing and final passes lacked precision.
Italy capitalised on Nigeria’s defensive lapse just before halftime when Anna Copelli fired under goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu after a poor clearance.
Nigeria briefly thought they had equalised in the 55th minute, only for VAR to disallow the goal for a foul on the Italian keeper.
Moments later, Venturelli’s looping cross deceived Echefu to make it 2-0, and Robino’s brilliant free-kick in the 63rd minute effectively sealed the result. A late fourth goal completed Italy’s dominance.
Despite the tireless efforts of Queens Joseph, Nigeria’s top scorer with three goals, the Flamingos bowed out, ending hopes of matching their 2022 semi-final run.
Elsewhere, North Korea thrashed hosts Morocco 5-0, Brazil beat China 3-0, and the Netherlands edged the USA on penalties.
