Nigeria's U17 Women's national team, the Flamingos, will commence their journey towards securing a coveted spot in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024 with a clash against Central African Republic, Soccernet.ng reports.
This encounter, marked as the second round, first-leg fixture, is scheduled to be played in the vibrant Cameroonian city of Douala.
Central African Republic has long embraced Douala as their home ground, owing to the absence of an approved international stadium in their own capital, Bangui, or any other city within their borders.
A trend reinforced in November 2021 when the city hosted the Super Eagles during a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier, resulting in a 2-0 victory for Nigeria.
The much-anticipated U17 clash is slated for the Stade de la Reunification de Douala on Sunday, 4th February, with the kickoff time fixed at 3 pm local time in Cameroon.
Nigeria won the bronze medal from the last FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India.
The Flamingos clinched the honour after a dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Germany.
Impressively, the Flamingos boast an illustrious record, featuring in every edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, except the 2018 tournament in Uruguay.
Looking ahead, the 2024 World Cup promises a unique spectacle as the Dominican Republic prepares to host its first-ever FIFA tournament.
The Confederation of African Football has entrusted the whistle to Tunisian official Emna Ajbouni, who will referee this first-leg showdown.
Assisting her will be compatriots Khouloud Amri, Ameni Hammemi, and Asma Chouchane, taking on the roles of assistant referees and the fourth official, respectively.
The commissioner for this encounter will be Eugenie Mbainaye from Chad.
Turning our gaze to the return leg in Nigeria, Moroccan official Zakia El Grini is set to officiate, supported by Ihsane Ennouajeli Nouajli, Karima Khadiri, and Sabah Sadir as assistant referees and fourth official. Serving as the commissioner for this leg will be Naa Odofoley Nortey from Ghana.
The return leg is scheduled for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Saturday, 10th February 2024.
