CANADA scored three goals in the final 17 minutes to defeat Nigeria’s Flamingos 4-1 in their opening group fixture at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco last night.
Canada were off to a quick start, opening the scoring in the second minute as Molly Hale teed up Gabriela Istocki.
The Flamingos were stunned but they kept hunting for the equaliser, with captain Shakirat Moshood coming close twice in the ninth and 13th minutes.
The Nigerian girls eventually drew level in the 30th minute through Queen Joseph, who bundled the ball home after Kaosarat Olanrewaju’s shot was fumbled by Canada goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse.
The impressive Cisse made several big saves to frustrate the Flamingos as they sought to go in front, before Canada went on a goal spree in the closing stages.
Melisa Kekic cut inside her marker and found the bottom corner to give Canada the lead in the 73rd minute.
Julia Amireh then came off the bench to give herself a memorable 17th birthday present in the form of a brace, netting Canada’s third goal in the 80th minute and the fourth six minutes later.
The Flamingos will face France on Wednesday in a bid to get back on track.