Nigeria, Oct. 18 -- The Flamingos of Nigeria suffered a frustrating start to their FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026 campaign on Saturday, losing 2-1 to Poland in their Group B opener despite a late rally that briefly raised hopes of a comeback.

Head coach Akeem Busari's side created opportunities to take control of the contest but were punished for defensive lapses and struggled to turn their attacking moments into goals at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.

Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted a first-half penalty in the 33rd minute after a Football Video Assistant Referee review, before Natalia Skrok doubled Poland's advantage in the 65th minute. Substitute Oluebube Umejiaku pulled one back for Nigeria from an impressive free...