Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team forward, Queen Joseph, has expressed optimism despite the Flamingos’ 4-1 defeat to Canada in their opening match at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Joseph, who scored Nigeria’s only goal in the encounter, described the experience as a positive one and promised to deliver more in the coming games.
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“It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s all good. I’m happy to have scored my first goal in the competition. I expect more to come and will do my best to help Nigeria qualify for the next round,” said Joseph.
The match, played at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) in Salé, near Rabat, saw Canada take the lead in the second minute through Gabriela Istocki, who finished off a fine run from Molly Hale.
The Flamingos responded with determination, creating several chances before Queen Joseph bundled home an equalizer in the 30th minute after Canada’s goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse spilled Kaosarat Olanrewaju’s shot.
However, the Canadians dominated the second half. Substitute Melisa Kekic restored their lead in the 73rd minute, turning a defender before firing low past Elizabeth Boniface.
Julia Amireh then added two late goals in the 80th and 86th minutes to seal a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Despite the setback, the Flamingos showed moments of promise and will look to bounce back when they face France in their next Group D match on Wednesday evening.
