The Nigeria U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, will begin their 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign today (Wednesday) against New Zealand at the Cibao Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.
The Flamingos, who are in Group A alongside hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand, enter the tournament with high hopes after securing a third-place finish at the 2022 edition in India. Head coach, Bankole Olowookere expressed confidence in the team’s ability to clinch the elusive trophy. “We refuse to go back home empty-handed. We must bring something back, whatever it costs,” he said in a recent interview.
The Flamingos wrapped up a 10-day training camp in Santiago with a 1-1 draw in a friendly match against Mexico on October 8. Olowookere described the match as a valuable experience, helping the team overcome nerves and boost their confidence ahead of the tournament.
With a mix of experienced players and rising stars from top Nigerian clubs like Delta Queens, Imo Strikers, and Rivers Angels, the team is led by key player Harmony Chidi, who has scored 12 goals in the qualifiers. After their opener against New Zealand, Nigeria will face Ecuador on October 19 and Dominican Republic on October 22 as they push for a spot in the knockout stages.
Olowookere has called on Nigerians to support the team, promising, “Just believe in us; we are going to make you happy and bring something back home.”
