2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Flamingos crash out of after 4-0 defeat to Italy

Nigeria’s hopes of lifting their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title came to a painful end on Tuesday night after a 4-0 defeat to Italy in the Round of 16 at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Salé, Morocco.

The Flamingos started on a promising note and matched the Italians for intensity in the early stages, but a costly defensive error just before halftime handed the Europeans the breakthrough.

Anna Copelli pounced on a misplaced pass while Nigeria attempted to build from the back, firing past goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu to make it 1-0 at the stroke of halftime.

Nigeria appeared to have drawn level in the 56th minute through Queen Joseph, who calmly slotted home, but celebrations were cut short after the goal was overturned by VAR for an offside in the buildup.

That moment proved pivotal, as Italy took full control of the contest. Caterina Venturelli doubled the lead with a spectacular long-range strike that caught Echefu off her line. Minutes later, Giulia Robino’s inch-perfect free-kick ricocheted off the crossbar and bounced into the net to make it 3-0.

Italy sealed the result in the latter stages when Rachele Giudici reacted quickest to a rebound to complete a ruthless display and send the Flamingos packing from the tournament.

The defeat ends Nigeria’s campaign at the knockout stage, dashing hopes of improving on their previous best finish.

Italy now advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the clash between Mexico and Paraguay as they continue their charge toward a first U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.