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.
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.