The stage is ready in Morocco for the knockout part of the 2025 FIFA U17 Girls’s World Cup, and Nigeria’s Flamingos could have a date with future once they tackle Italy in one of many standout fixtures of the Spherical of 16.
The extremely anticipated conflict will happen on Tuesday, 28 October, on the Stade Olympique de Rabat, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (Nigeria time).
Flamingos eye historical past after group-stage revival
The Flamingos earned their place within the knockout stage in emphatic style, thrashing Samoa 4–0 in Rabat on Saturday to seal qualification as probably the greatest third-placed groups.
That efficiency, constructed on a brace from Queen Joseph and objectives from Shakirat Moshood and Azeezat Oduntan, marked a powerful response after a shaky begin to the match.
Having suffered early defeats to Canada and France, the victory over Samoa was each redemptive and reaffirming — a press release that Nigeria’s U17 ladies’s group stays a power in international youth soccer.
Olowookere’s tactical shake-up sparks revival
Beneath strain to ship, head coach Bankole Olowookere made decisive modifications for the must-win conflict towards Samoa.
The trio of Abubakar Memunat, Olarenwaju Kaosarat, and Boniface Elizabeth — all partly culpable in earlier losses — had been changed by Yahaya Mariam, Terlumun Nguemo, and Echefu Sylvia.
The brand new lineup injected steadiness and confidence. The Flamingos pressed increased up the pitch, moved the ball faster, and performed with renewed intent.
Goalkeeper Echefu Sylvia justified her inclusion with an important second-half save, preserving Nigeria’s clear sheet.
Queen Joseph on the double
As soon as once more, Queen Joseph supplied the spark Nigeria wanted. Her first-half brace put the Flamingos firmly in management and showcased her predatory instincts in entrance of aim.
She got here near securing a hat-trick, however Samoa’s goalkeeper AE Grace produced a exceptional reflex save to disclaim her from shut vary.
Joseph’s vitality and off-the-ball motion had been pivotal to Nigeria’s dominance, as her link-up play repeatedly stretched Samoa’s backline.
AE Grace — Samoa’s lone warrior
Regardless of the heavy defeat, AE Grace emerged as Samoa’s standout performer. The younger goalkeeper made a string of spectacular saves, together with a penalty cease from Shakirat Moshood, to maintain the rating respectable.
Her bravery and resilience drew applause from the gang, incomes her admiration even in defeat.
Memunat’s late damage scare
Nigeria’s night time wasn’t with out concern. Substitute Abubakar Memunat suffered a knock late within the sport and had to get replaced by Nkwocha Ngomma.
The transfer was largely precautionary, however Olowookere’s employees shall be monitoring her health forward of the Italy conflict.
From brink to breakthrough
Few predicted such a turnaround after the Flamingos’ early stumbles. However the 4–0 demolition of Samoa not solely sealed their passage to the Spherical of 16 — it reasserted Nigeria’s pedigree and resilience in international youth soccer.
Coach Olowookere hailed his gamers’ response, describing the efficiency as “a deserved win” and a reminder of what the group is able to when taking part in with freedom and focus.
The Italian take a look at
Nigeria will now face Italy, who topped Group A after an ideal group-stage marketing campaign. The Europeans opened with a 3–0 win over Costa Rica, adopted by a 3–1 victory towards hosts Morocco, and capped it off with an exhilarating 4–3 overcome Brazil.
The Italians have impressed with their tactical self-discipline and sharp attacking play, and Tuesday’s fixture guarantees to be an enchanting conflict of kinds — Italy’s construction towards Nigeria’s aptitude.
ALSO READ: U-17 World Cup: Flamingos beat Samoa, qualify for Spherical of 16
For the Flamingos, the mission is evident: keep the attacking rhythm rediscovered towards Samoa whereas tightening up defensively to include Italy’s swift transitions.
Victory wouldn’t solely take them into the quarterfinals but additionally transfer them a step nearer to rewriting historical past.
Host nation Morocco set for electrical night time
Whereas Nigeria’s conflict in Rabat headlines Tuesday’s fixtures, host nation Morocco may even take middle stage later that night once they face South Korea on the Mohammed VI Soccer Academy in Sale. Dwelling help is predicted to be electrical because the Atlas Lionesses proceed their exceptional debut marketing campaign.
Earlier within the day, Brazil meet China PR, and america face the Netherlands, each in Sale.
International showdowns proceed Wednesday
The motion resumes on Wednesday, 29 October, with Mexico going through Paraguay and defending champions Spain taking up France in a mouthwatering all-European duel.
Later that night time, Canada will sq. off towards Zambia, whereas Japan — one of many match favorites — tackle Colombia.
4 wins from glory
With the group stage now behind them, the margin for error has vanished. Solely 4 victories now separate the remaining 16 groups from lifting essentially the most coveted prize in youth ladies’s soccer.
For Nigeria, it begins with Italy — a contest that may take a look at their resolve, self-discipline, and perception. Having proven they will rise when it issues most, the Flamingos will take to the Stade Olympique de Rabat with one message: the journey isn’t over but.
Full Spherical of 16 Fixtures
Tuesday, 28 October, 2025
Brazil U17 vs China PR U17
United States U17 vs Netherlands U17
Italy U17 vs Nigeria U17
South Korea U17 vs Morocco U17
Wednesday, 29 October, 2025
Mexico U17 vs Paraguay U17
Spain U17 vs France U17
Canada U17 vs Zambia U17
Japan U17 vs Colombia U17
