Nigeria vs South Africa: Moshood and Chidi top 30-player Flamingos squad for U17 World Cup qualifiers

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have announced a 30-player squad for their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.

Head coach Bankole Olowookere has assembled a strong group as the team looks to book a place in the tournament, set to take place in Morocco later this year.

The Flamingos will begin their training camp on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, preparing for the two-legged tie against South Africa’s U-17 side, known as Bantwana.

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The qualifiers, running from March 7-16, will determine Africa’s four additional representatives alongside hosts Morocco for the tournament, which has been expanded to 24 teams and will now be held annually.

Nigeria’s U-17 girls have a rich history in the competition, having participated in all but one edition since its inception in 2008. Their best performances came in 2010, 2012, and 2014, when they reached the quarterfinals.

However, they made history in 2022 by securing a first-ever semifinal appearance, eventually claiming the bronze medal after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Germany.

In 2024, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the USA, who avenged their previous loss to the Flamingos in 2022.

The Flamingos enter this qualification stage at the second round after receiving a bye, while South Africa’s Bantwana demolished Gabon 21-2 on aggregate, with emphatic 12-1 and 9-1 victories in the first round.

Olowookere has retained key players, including midfield star Shakirat Moshood—who scored four goals at the last U-17 World Cup—and attacking duo Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, and midfielder Muinat Rotimi also make the squad.

Nigeria will be aiming not only to secure a place at the World Cup but to go a step further and challenge for the ultimate prize when the competition kicks off in Morocco from October 17 to November 8.

NIGERIA: FULL FLAMINGOS SQUAD

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 (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)