Nigeria have crashed out of the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 4–0 defeat to Italy on Tuesday.
The Flamingos, who advanced to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, were undone by poor goalkeeping as Italy scored three second-half goals to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria started strongly, pressing the Italians in search of an early goal, but Anna Copelli’s strike in the 45th minute put Italy 1–0 ahead at half-time.
The Italians extended their lead in the 58th minute through Caterina Venturelli, before Giulia Robino made it 3–0. In stoppage time, Rachele Giudici added a fourth to seal a comfortable victory for the Europeans and end Nigeria’s campaign.
The Flamingos had qualified for the knockout stage after a 4–0 win over Samoa, which ensured their progression as one of the best runners-up. Earlier, they had lost 1–0 to France and 4–1 to Canada.
Nigeria’s best performance at the tournament came in 2022, when they finished third.
Elsewhere, defending champions North Korea advanced to the next round after thrashing hosts Morocco 6–1, with Maissane Ferkous scoring a late consolation for the North Africans.
Brazil also booked a quarter-final spot with a 3–0 win over China, scoring twice in quick succession in the second half. The South Americans will now face the winner of the tie between Canada and Zambia.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Maren Groothoff was the star of the night as the Netherlands edged the USA 7–6 on penalties to reach the last eight, after a 1–1 draw in regulation time. Liv Pennock opened the scoring for the Dutch before Micayla Johnson equalised for the Americans with a long-range strike.