Flamingos exit U-17 Women’s World Cup after quarter-final defeat to US

The Nigerian U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, ended their World Cup campaign with a 0-2 loss to the United States in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Despite a strong start in Group A, where Nigeria won all three matches and scored nine goals, the team struggled against a formidable American side in Santiago.

The game’s pivotal moment came just before halftime when Nigeria’s top scorer, Moshood Shakirat, committed a foul on Jocelyn Travers, leading to a penalty after a video review. Kennedy Fuller capitalized on the opportunity, putting the US ahead. In the second half, the Flamingos’ efforts to equalize fell short, and Kimmi Ascanio doubled the US lead in the 74th minute, securing their spot in the semi-finals for the first time since 2008.

The result marked the end of a spirited tournament for Nigeria, with the US progressing to the semi-finals, aiming for their maiden title.