Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, began their campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.

The Polish side claimed all three points after scoring twice through Wiktoria Skrzypczak and Natalia Skrok, while Oluebube Umejiaku scored Nigeria’s only goal.

Poland took the lead in the 33rd minute when Skrzypczak converted a penalty to put her team ahead before the interval.

The Europeans extended their advantage in the 66th minute through Skrok, leaving the Flamingos with an uphill task in their opening fixture.

Nigeria responded in the 79th minute when Umejiaku found the net, raising hopes of a late comeback for the African side.

However, Poland held firm in the closing stages to preserve their lead and secure a 2-1 victory.

The result leaves the Flamingos needing to regroup ahead of their remaining Group B fixtures as they seek to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

Nigeria will now look to bounce back in their next match and secure the points needed to remain in contention for progression at the tournament.