Nigeria’s Flamingos get group stage opponents for 2024 U-17 World Cup

Nigeria’s under-17 female team- the Flamingos have gotten their opponents for the 2024 FIFA Under-17 female World Cup in Dominican Republic, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Flamingos were in great form in the qualifiers, weaving past their opponents with ease. Across two legs, they hammered Central African Republic (CAR) 12-0, demolished Burkina Faso 7-1, and thumped Liberia 6-1 to seal their ticket to the World Cup.

The draw for the competition schdeuled for was held in Santo Domingo in the early hours of Sunday, Nigerian time. And the Flamingos had a decent draw.

They were pitched against in Group A, alongside hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand.

In that group, Nigeria and New Zealand are the biggest achievers at Under-17 World Cup, with one third-place finish apiece.

Meanwhile, Dominican Republic and Ecuador will be making their debut in the tournament. Considering the pedigree of the four teams, Nigeria are favourites to qualify, as the only major threat is New Zealand, albeit Dominican Republic could bank on their home advantage.

However, the Flamingos have never won the competition. But coach Bankole Olowookere will be looking to lead his girls to the title this time.

The competition is slated for October and November. The first game will be played on October 16, while the final will be played on October 4.