U7WWC: “Never Lose Hope” – Flamingos Urges Fans to Keep Faith After Poland Defeat

Flamingos forward, Precious Oscar has urged Nigerians to continue supporting the team despite their 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group match at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s U-17 girls suffered a disappointing start to their campaign in Rabat, Morocco, but Oscar insisted that the team would regroup and work towards securing qualification for the next round.

The forward admitted that the Flamingos had entered the match determined to win but failed to get the desired result.

She called on her teammates to remain united and organised ahead of their remaining Group B fixtures.

"We all came out to play and to win, and it didn't go the way we wanted."

"So, go back and we'll organise ourselves and hopefully we'll come out stronger in the next game."

Speaking about the message she would give her teammates, Oscar added:

"To my team, I'll talk to them and tell them to be organised, be together, because it is just the first game."

She also appealed to Nigerian supporters not to lose confidence in the team, promising that the players would do their best to make the country proud.

"And to Nigerians, they should all keep supporting us. Never lose hope, because we are going to make them proud."

Poland Punish Flamingos’ Defensive Errors

The Flamingos lost 1-2 to Poland in their opening Group B fixture in Rabat after conceding twice in the second half.

Both teams enjoyed spells of possession during the opening 30 minutes before Poland were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute.

Following a review by the Video Support system, the referee pointed to the spot after an incident involving a Nigerian defender and a Polish attacker. Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted the penalty to give Poland the lead.

The goal proved decisive in the first half, with Nigeria head coach Akeem Busari’s side needing a response after the break.

Poland thought they had doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

However, Natalia Skrok made it 2-0 just two minutes later, capitalising on a poor clearance by the Nigerian defence to put Poland in control.

Substitutions Gave Nigeria's Falmingos Hope

Busari responded with a double substitution in the 68th minute, introducing Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru for Harmony Chidi and Mary Dunstan.

He made two further changes ten minutes later, bringing on Kanyinsola Yusuf and Precious Oscar for Queen Joseph and Adesuyi.

The substitutions gave Nigeria renewed energy, and Yusuf made an immediate impact by pulling a goal back in the 79th minute, giving the Flamingos hope of salvaging a result.

Nigeria pushed for an equaliser and appealed for a penalty in the 86th minute following an incident involving Kemi Adegbuyi.

However, the referee upheld her original decision after another review.

There were late efforts from the Flamingos but could not find a second goal as Poland held on to secure all three points.

Flamingos Turn Attention to Puerto Rico Clash

Nigeria will now look to recover from the opening defeat when they face Puerto Rico in their next Group B fixture on Tuesday, October 20.

The Flamingos will then take on Korea DPR on Friday, October 23, in their final group-stage match.