By SCM Sports Writer I Wednesday, Oct.29, 2025
MOROCCO – Nigeria’s hopes of another FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup medal went up in smoke on Tuesday after the Flamingos were brutally hammered 4-0 by a rampant Italian side.
The 2022 bronze medallists were sent packing from the tournament in Morocco after the Italians, who now boast a perfect four wins from four matches, delivered a crushing defeat that ended Nigeria’s campaign.
The Flamingos, who were desperate to prove their place in the Round of 16 was no fluke, started brightly. Captain Shakirat Moshood tested Italian keeper Matilde Robbioni with a fierce shot after 24 minutes, but the keeper was equal to it, pushing the ball round the post.
VAR MISERY
But just before the break, the roof caved in. Anna Copelli danced around the Nigerian backline before coolly slotting past goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu to give Italy the vital lead.
Nigeria thought they had found a lifeline ten minutes into the second half when Nguemo Terlumun poked home after a scramble, but VAR dashed their hopes, ruling that Queen Joseph had kicked the ball from Robbioni’s hands.
The crushing blow came just three minutes later. Caterina Venturelli struck an audacious long-range rocket that soared over Echefu and into the net—a stunning strike for 2-0.
The Italians smelled blood, and five minutes after that, Giulia Robino made it three. The nightmare was complete in the 89th minute when Rachelle Giudici bagged Italy’s fourth, with the VAR confirming the goal was legitimate.
The heavy defeat means an early flight home for Nigeria, but they won’t have time to sulk. The Flamingos must now immediately start prepping for the qualifying series for next year’s edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which has become an annual event
