Nigeria forward Precious Oscar has called on supporters to continue backing the Flamingos after their 2-1 defeat by Poland in their opening Group B match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The result gave Nigeria a disappointing start to their campaign in Rabat, Morocco, but Oscar said the team would regroup and focus on securing a place in the next round.

The forward acknowledged that the Flamingos had gone into the match determined to win, but were unable to produce the result they wanted. She urged her team-mates to stay united and organised as they prepare for their remaining group fixtures.

Oscar also asked Nigerian fans not to lose faith in the players, promising that the team would continue working hard to make the country proud.

Poland take advantage of defensive mistakes

Nigeria and Poland shared possession for much of the opening 30 minutes, before Poland were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute.

The decision followed a review by the Video Support system after an incident involving a Nigerian defender and a Polish attacker. Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted from the spot to put Poland ahead.

The goal left Akeem Busari’s side needing to respond after the interval. Poland appeared to have extended their lead in the 63rd minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Their second goal did arrive two minutes later, however, when Natalia Skrok capitalised on a poor clearance by the Nigerian defence to make it 2-0.

Busari responded by making two substitutions in the 68th minute. Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru replaced Harmony Chidi and Mary Dunstan.

The Nigeria head coach made two more changes 10 minutes later, sending on Kanyinsola Yusuf and Precious Oscar for Queen Joseph and Adesuyi.

Those changes brought greater energy to the Flamingos, and Yusuf made an immediate impact. She pulled a goal back in the 79th minute to give Nigeria renewed hope of rescuing a result.

Nigeria continued to press for an equaliser and appealed for a penalty in the 86th minute after an incident involving Kemi Adegbuyi. The referee reviewed the situation but stood by her original decision.

The Flamingos created further opportunities late in the match, yet could not find a second goal as Poland held on to claim all three points.

Puerto Rico next for Nigeria

Nigeria will attempt to recover from the defeat when they meet Puerto Rico in their next Group B fixture on Tuesday, October 20.

The Flamingos will complete their group-stage schedule against Korea DPR on Friday, October 23.