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Action during the match
By ABDULRAHMAN YAHAYA
Nigeria’s Flamingos suffered a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening Group B match of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup on Saturday in Rabat, Morroco.
The Hakeem Busari-led team were stunned by goals from Skrzypczak and Natalia Skrok for Poland and a late strike from Olubebube Umejiaku couldn’t give Nigeria a comeback.
Poland’s greater urgency in the early minutes of the encounter was rewarded when they won a penalty in the 33rd minute when Nigeria’s Ohunene Sunday obstructed forward Ijirigho in the box.
The spot kick was converted by Skrzypczak.
The Europeans extended their lead in the 65th Minute when Skrok fired home from close range as the Flamingos failed to clear their lines after Blank Zajac’s cross into Nigeria’s box.
Nigeria pulled one back in the 79 minutes when Umejiaku found the far corner with a brilliant free-kick from the right.
The Umejiaku almost restored parity again minutes later but her control failed her and Poland held on to bag all three points.
The loss puts the Nigerian girls under pressure as they hope to make it to the knockout rounds of the Morroco 2026 tournament.
In the other Group B match, DPR Korea thrashed Puerto Rico 6-0.
Nigeria will face Puerto Rico in the second Group B match on Tuesday Oct. 20 before trading tackles with defending Champions DPR Korea on Friday (NAN)
