By Samuel Ahmadu in Rabat

Nigeria’s Flamingos suffered a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening Group B fixture at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, while the hosts began their campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over New Zealand on Saturday.

The results marked contrasting starts for the two African sides, with Morocco making an immediate statement in front of their home supporters, while Nigeria were left to regroup ahead of their remaining group matches.  

Morocco turn on the style against New Zealand

Morocco delivered an impressive performance to overcome New Zealand 4-0, scoring all four goals in the second half after a competitive opening period.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Sonia Abajiou rose to meet a cross from Hiba Youssoufi on the right flank and headed home.

Morocco continued to apply pressure, with Imane Dhissi striking the post in the 67th minute as the hosts searched for a second goal.

Their persistence paid off three minutes later when New Zealand defender Eden Chaytor turned the ball into her own net under pressure following an attempt by substitute Nessma Mouradi.

Dhissi subsequently added Morocco’s third goal in the 76th minute after a well-constructed attacking move, before Youssoufi converted a penalty four minutes from time to complete the 4-0 triumph.

Youssoufi’s influential display earned her the Player of the Match award as Morocco collected three points in their opening fixture.  

Poland withstand late Flamingos fightback

Nigeria, meanwhile, were unable to recover from a two-goal deficit against Poland despite a spirited late response.

Poland opened the scoring in the 33rd minute through Wiktoria Skrzypczak, who converted a penalty to give the European side a first-half advantage.

Natalia Skrok extended Poland’s lead in the 65th minute, leaving the Flamingos with a difficult task as they sought to rescue something from the encounter.

Nigeria reduced the deficit in the 79th minute when Oluebube Umejiaku scored with a free kick, raising hopes of a late equaliser.

The Flamingos pushed forward during the closing stages, but Poland held on to secure a 2-1 victory and begin their campaign with maximum points.

Skrok was named Player of the Match for her contribution to Poland’s opening-day success.  

Nigeria face crucial second fixture

The defeat leaves Nigeria needing a positive response in their next Group B match against Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 20.

The Flamingos will then face defending champions Korea DPR on October 23 in their final group fixture.

Korea DPR also made a strong start, defeating Puerto Rico 6-0 to join Poland at the top of Group B with three points.

Nigeria must now turn their attention to the Puerto Rico encounter, where a victory would strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.  

For Morocco, the opening-day success provides an encouraging platform as the hosts seek to make the most of home advantage and advance beyond the group stage.

With the tournament underway, both Nigeria and Morocco will be looking to build momentum as the race for qualification intensifies.