Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have unveiled a 19-player squad for their crucial FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Head coach, Bankole Olowokeere confirmed the squad list to video journalist Ademola Victor ahead of the two-legged encounter. The squad comprises three goalkeepers, five defenders, six midfielders, and five attackers, including the dynamic duo of Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers) and Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens).
The Flamingos will travel to South Africa for the first leg on March 8, before hosting the return leg at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on March 15. The winner of the tie will secure a spot at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, joining the host nation as one of Africa’s three representatives.
Nigeria enters the decisive clash in excellent shape, having played three warm-up matches in preparation for the South African challenge.
- They registered dominant victories over Nakamura FA and ANWFCC All-Stars.
- They drew 1-1 against Beyond Limits U13 boys in their final friendly.
The Flamingos have been formidable in recent qualifiers, boasting an unbeaten run of 14 consecutive matches, winning 12 and scoring 51 goals while conceding just four. Their dominance includes three emphatic 6-0 victories, underlining both their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
Despite their pedigree, this will be the first-ever competitive match between Nigeria and South Africa at the U17 women’s level. The Bantwana (South Africa’s U17 side) have been in red-hot form, scoring 21 goals against Gabon in their previous qualifier. However, Nigeria’s strong track record makes them firm favorites.
Nigeria has been a consistent force at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, missing only the 2018 edition. They reached the quarterfinals in 2010, 2012, and 2014, before securing a historic third-place finish in 2022. Olowokeere’s squad will aim to build on that success and qualify for their eighth World Cup appearance, with their sights set on an even stronger performance in Morocco.
Full Flamingos Squad
Goalkeepers
- Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens)
- Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers)
- Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens)
Defenders
- Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
- Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels)
- Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies FC)
- Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens)
- Shavih Istifanus (Jos)
Midfielders
- Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens)
- Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy)
- Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens)
- Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy)
- Olamide Olanrewaju
Forwards
- Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels)
- Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers)
- Favour Iheagwaram (Abia Angels)
- Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers)
- Aishat Animashaun (Remo Stars Ladies FC)
With the final qualifier approaching, the Flamingos are ready to take on South Africa and secure their place at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
