The Nigerian U17 women’s team, known as the Flamingos, will begin their training on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo in preparation for their two-leg FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa’s U17 girls, referred to as Bantwana.
Having received a bye to the second round of the African qualifiers, the Flamingos, who secured a bronze medal in the 2022 World Cup, will face a Bantwana team that recently dominated their opponents from Gabon, winning 21-2 on aggregate with scores of 12-1 in Gabon and 9-1 in South Africa.
“It is crucial for the Flamingos to commence their training early for this second-round matchup, not only due to South Africa’s impressive first-round performance but also because it is the appropriate course of action. We recognize that encounters between Nigeria and South Africa are always intense, filled with passion from players, officials, and fans, and a strong desire to succeed from the players,” stated Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the NFF.
We require additional preparation for the upcoming phase, which includes an extended training camp and friendly matches to ensure our readiness for the next round.
This year, the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. For the first time, the tournament will be held annually, featuring five African teams, including the host nation, Morocco, in an expanded format of 24 participating nations.
Coach Bankole Olowookere, who guided the team to a third-place finish in India in 2022 and to the quarter-finals last year, has summoned a total of 30 players to commence training on Sunday.
The roster features goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood (who scored four goals at last year’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic) and Muinat Rotimi, along with forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.
Flamingos Available for Camping in Ikenne-Remo, South Africa.
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Maureen Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies); Stella Emperor (Adamawa Queens)
Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Jennifer Ozoani (Greenfoot FC); Marylyn Edem (Nasarawa Amazons); Amblessed Ogbonnaya (Bayelsa Queens); Ifeoma Ogoegbe (Greenfoot FC); Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens); Shavih Istifanus (Jos)
Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Charles Nwabueze (Abia Angels); Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa Amazons); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens); Fatima Solaty (Dannaz Ladies); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shakirat Bashiru (New Generation SC)
Forwards: Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Seun Fakunle (Ekiti Queens); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Favour Iheagwaram (Abia Angels); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Grace Saliu (Naija Ratels); Afensimi Omon (Adamawa Queens); Anuoluwapo Awotidoye (Naija Ratels)
