Italy End Flamingos’ Dream With 4-0 Drubbing In U-17 World Cup Round Of 16
1 min read
By Sportsgister
Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, have bowed out of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a crushing 4-0 defeat to Italy in their Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
The Italians, who entered the knockout stage brimming with confidence after winning all three of their group-stage matches, proved too strong for the Nigerian side, who had scraped through as one of the best third-placed teams.
The Flamingos’ campaign had started on a shaky note, suffering back-to-back losses to Canada (4-1) and France (1-0) before a commanding victory over Samoa revived their hopes of qualification.
Against Italy, the team held firm for much of the first half but finally succumbed to pressure in the 45th minute, when Anna Copelli fired home the opener.
The Italians continued their dominance after the break as Caterina Venturelli made it 2-0 in the 58th minute, followed by Giulia Robino’s strike five minutes later.
With just two minutes left on the clock, Rachele Giudici sealed a comprehensive victory, sending the Europeans through to the quarterfinals and ending Nigeria’s journey in Morocco.
It marks another disappointing early exit for the Flamingos, who had reached the semifinals in the last edition but struggled to replicate that form this time around.
