Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have bowed out of the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup following a 4–0 loss to Italy in their Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.

The 2022 bronze medalists had earlier sealed qualification to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams after a commanding 4–0 win over Samoa in their final Group D match in Morocco.

Head coach Bankole Olowookere stuck with the same starting lineup from that victory, with goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu once again between the sticks.

Italy began brightly, pinning Nigeria back and winning multiple early corners before finally taking the lead in the 45th minute through Anna Copelli’s long-range strike that beat Echefu at the near post.

Nigeria thought they had drawn level ten minutes into the second half when Nguemo Terlumun found the back of the net, but VAR ruled the effort out for offside. The setback seemed to unsettle the Flamingos, as Caterina Venturelli doubled Italy’s advantage moments later with another stunning shot from distance.

Giulia Robino added a third with a beautifully taken free kick in the 63rd minute before substitute Rachele Giudici sealed the victory late on tapping home from close range after yet another VAR review confirmed the goal.

Despite creating some chances through Queen Joseph and Terlumun, the Flamingos lacked cutting edge and composure in the final third, struggling to cope with Italy’s intensity and organization.

The defeat ends Nigeria’s hopes of replicating their bronze-winning feat from 2022 or their quarterfinal finish in 2024, as they exit the tournament at the Round of 16. Italy, meanwhile, march into the quarterfinals for only the second time in their history, still unbeaten in this year’s competition.