2025 Fifa U17 Women's World Cup: Five observations from Flamingos' 4-1 defeat to Canada

Nigeria began their 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a disappointing 4-1 loss against Canada on Sunday evening.

Gabriela Istocki put the Canadians ahead just two minutes into the match, but Queen Joseph later drew Nigeria level before halftime.

However, a second-half strike from Melisa Kekic and a brace from substitute Julia Amireh sealed the victory for Canada in the second half.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the match.

Nigeria vulnerable to counterattacks

The Flamingos produced an energetic performance, pressing Canada high to regain possession, but looked vulnerable whenever the opposition broke forward on the counter.

Despite conceding an early goal within two minutes, Nigeria controlled much of the game and dictated the tempo.

However, Canada remained a constant threat in transition, exploiting spaces left behind when the Flamingos lost possession.

In the first half, the North Americans created two clear chances through their swift counterattacks.

Gabriela Istocki torments Nigeria

Canada’s number 10, Gabriela Istocki, proved to be a constant menace for Nigeria with her sharp movement, awareness, and intelligent positioning.

Istocki opened the scoring early on and nearly doubled Canada’s advantage late in the first half.

The youngster found space inside the box in the 39th minute but narrowly missed the target.

VAR review denies Canada penalty appeal

Canada called for a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review after Gabriela Istocki went down inside Nigeria’s box following a challenge from defender Elizabeth.

Istocki had been on the end of a neat team move near the edge of the area, but Elizabeth’s timely intervention denied her a clear scoring chance.

The collision between the two players led the Canadian bench to request a review.

After consulting VAR, the referee stood by his original decision, ruling no penalty for Canada.

Lackluster second half performance

After an impressive first-half performance, the Flamingos failed to maintain their intensity and looked a shadow of themselves in the second half.

Nigeria struggled to keep possession and found it difficult to create clear chances for their forwards, unlike their dominant opening display.

Their dip in form eventually proved costly, as Canada capitalized with two second-half goals to seal the victory.

Super-sub Amireh makes late impact

Substitute Julia Amireh made a remarkable impact, scoring twice in the second half to secure a comfortable win for Canada.

Amireh was introduced in the 72nd minute for Molly Hale with the scores tied at 1-1, but she wasted no time making her presence felt.

Her clinical brace in the final ten minutes sealed the victory, turning the game decisively in Canada’s favour.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: Super Falcons Show

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