Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have kicked off preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup by opening camp in Abuja. The tournament will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8.
Head coach Bankole Olowookere has invited 30 players for the initial training phase, comprising four goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders, and eight forwards. The players are expected to report to camp on Sunday.
Among the goalkeepers called up are Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels), Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers), Abigail Nmecha (Team Abia), and Sylva Echefu (Bayelsa Queens).
The defensive lineup includes Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels), Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo), Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers), Ufuoma Lucky (Royal Queens, Warri), Choice Ovwighovwiroro (New Generation, Abuja), Maryjane Ikeche (Ahudiyannem Queens), Blessed Isigbo (Remo Stars Ladies), and Grace Ufot (Fortress Ladies).
In midfield, Olowookere has selected Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Fatimah Shuaib (Confluence Queens), Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Taiwo Lukman (Confluence Queens), Esther Lasisi (N-Youth, Abuja), Precious Nkwocha (Imo Strikers), Gift Anekan (New Generation, Abuja), and Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC).
The attacking options include Kaosara Olanrewaju (Aisha Yusuf Academy, Lagos), Kindness Ifeanyi (Bayelsa Queens), Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy), Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy), Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo), Destiny Itodore (Delta Queens), Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels), and Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99).
The Flamingos, who claimed bronze at the 2022 edition of the tournament, secured their ticket to Morocco by defeating South Africa and Algeria in the qualifiers.
This year’s competition, expanded to 24 teams, marks the beginning of Morocco’s hosting rights for five consecutive editions. Matches will be played across four venues in two cities: Prince Héritier Moulay el-Hassan Sports Complex, Prince Moulay Abdellah Sport Complex, Al Barid Stadium, and the Mohamed VI Football Academy.
