The Flamingos lost their second game in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup by a lone against France on Wednesday night.Â
The girls showed signs of defensive organization, keeping the French attackers at bay while also trying to create chances in the final third.
France made a goalkeeper change from the team which beat Samoa 4-2 and introduced Shevray in goal. The Flamingos had a goal chance through Chisom Nwachukwu’s well-taken freekick but the French goalkeeper tipped her effort over the bar.
The girls had four corner kicks in the first half and had three shots on goal, against two from France. The French girls had a moment through a quick counter attack in the final moments of the first but Elizabeth Boniface came off her lines to save her team.
The girls returned from the break with vigour and went in search of a goal but could not find a breakthrough. France broke the deadlock in the 81st minute when Fathalah breached the Nigerian defense and shot on goal but Elizabeth Boniface could not stop her effort.
The Flamingos used their two purple cards to contest for penalties but they were not successful as France held on for the win. Nigeria will now have to win convincingly against Samoa in order to stand a chance of being among the best third placed teams.
