Ajibade Urges Calm After Flamingos’ 4-1 Defeat to Canada

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has called on the Flamingos to stay focused and bounce back following their 4-1 defeat to Canada U‑17 Women in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

Ajibade acknowledged the disappointment of the result but emphasised that the team’s tournament campaign is far from over. She said the squad must learn from its mistakes, keep their heads high and prepare for the next game with renewed determination.

The Flamingos fell behind early when Canada scored in the 2nd minute, though Nigeria fought back with an equaliser through Queen Joseph before half-time. The second half, however, proved more challenging as Canada scored three further goals to secure the victory.

Ajibade stressed that while the performance had positives, the team must improve defensively and better manage the transitions that Canada exploited. The Flamingos now turn their attention to a crucial match against France U‑17 Women, viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate their character.

Editorial

Defeat is never easy but when it comes early in a tournament of such magnitude, it becomes far more than just a bump. For Rasheedat Ajibade, leading the Flamingos in the cold light of a 4-1 loss offers a sobering lesson in leadership, accountability and the demands of elite youth football.

The match against Canada was not just about going behind early it was about how the team responded initially well, then slowly unravelling. Ajibade’s role as captain extends beyond scoring chances or organising attack. It now reaches into the realm of stabilising minds, instilling resilience, and ensuring reflection does not turn into regret.

In her call for calm and focus, Ajibade recognises that the tournament is not yet lost but also that time is not on the Flamingos’ side. The pressure will mount expectations weigh heavier with each passing game. Nigeria’s youth sides have shown brilliance before but brilliance without backbone often falters. The real value of this squad will be seen not in how they recover from a defeat, but in how they use it.

For Ajibade personally, this is the inflection point whether she can convert her on-field talent into off-field gravitas, whether she can steer her teammates through turbulence. Leadership is revealed in adversity, not just applause. The Flamingos may have stumbled but the journey ahead demands that the captain now lead them up.

Did You Know?

1. The Flamingos conceded the opening goal just two minutes into the game against Canada one of the fastest goals scored in the tournament’s opening matches.
2. Queen Joseph’s equaliser before half-time meant that at least at one point the Flamingos still believed they could assert control but the second half saw a clear shift in momentum.
3. The match highlighted Nigeria’s vulnerability to counterattacks: Canada capitalised on rapid transitions especially in the second half.
4. Ajibade has captained the Flamingos previously, making her one of the more experienced players in this youth squad an advantage in moments like these.
5. The next match against France is effectively a must-win for Nigeria if they are to keep realistic hopes of advancing beyond the group stage.