Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have lost 2-1 to Poland in their opening Group B match at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The match, played on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, saw the Flamingos struggle to convert their scoring opportunities and concede two costly goals.

Poland took the lead in the 33rd minute when Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted a penalty awarded after a Football Video Assistant Referee review. Natalia Skrok doubled the advantage in the 65th minute, capitalising on a poor clearance by the Nigerian defence.

Nigeria responded in the 79th minute through substitute Oluebube Umejiaku, who scored from a free kick after an assist from Kanyinsola Yusuf. However, the Flamingos were unable to find an equaliser despite late pressure.

The defeat exposed defensive lapses and a lack of finishing precision, despite Nigeria creating several chances during the match. Players including Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Queen Joseph threatened Poland’s goal in the first half but failed to convert their opportunities.

Head coach Akeem Busari introduced Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru in the 68th minute in an attempt to revive Nigeria’s attack. The substitutions brought renewed energy, with Umejiaku’s goal giving the team hope of salvaging a point.

Meanwhile, defending champions Korea DPR began their campaign with a commanding 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico in the other Group B fixture.

The result leaves Nigeria under pressure to secure a win against Puerto Rico in their next match on Tuesday before facing Korea DPR in their final group game.

The Flamingos will need to improve their defensive organisation and finishing as they seek to revive their campaign and strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.