Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have announced a 19-player squad to face South Africa in the final round of qualifiers for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
Head coach Bankole Olowokeere confirmed the squad list to video journalist Ademola Victor ahead of the two-legged tie.
The 19-player squad consists of three goalkeepers, 5 defenders, 6 midfielders, and five attackers, including the exciting duo of Harmony Chidi of Imo Strikers and Shakirat Moshood of Bayelsa Queens.
Nigeria will travel to South Africa for the first leg on March 8, before hosting the return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on March 15.
The winner of the tie will join host nation Morocco as one of Africa’s three representatives at the tournament’s ninth edition.
Nigeria Flamingos – We are here to win simple ft Precious Dede & Coach Bankole Olowookere https://t.co/zTIgIVPxr0 pic.twitter.com/xAbHQen9i2
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) March 3, 2025
Nigeria head into the decisive encounter in impressive shape, having played three warm-up matches in preparation for the South Africa clash.
The Flamingos secured dominant victories over Nakamura FA and ANWFCC All Stars, before settling for a 1-1 draw against Beyond Limits U13 boys in their final friendly outing.
Olowokeere’s side boast a formidable record in recent qualifiers, going unbeaten in their last 14 World Cup qualifying matches.
The Flamingos have won 12 of those games, scoring 51 goals while conceding just four Three of those victories came with emphatic 6-0 scorelines — an impressive indication of the team’s attacking brilliance and defensive solidity.
Despite their rich pedigree, this will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Nigeria and South Africa at U17 women’s level. The Bantwana, South Africa’s U17 side, will pose a fresh challenge, but Nigeria’s impressive track record makes them strong favourites.
The Flamingos are regular participants on the global stage, having featured in every edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup except the 2018 tournament.
They reached the quarterfinals in 2010, 2012, and 2014, before achieving their best-ever finish by clinching third place at the 2022 edition in India.
Olowokeere’s squad will be eager to build on that success and secure Nigeria’s eighth appearance at the tournament — with their sights firmly set on going even further in Morocco.
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens)
Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies FC); Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens); Shavih Istifanus (Jos)
Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa Amazons); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Olamide Olanrewaju
Forwards: Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Favour Iheagwaram (Abia Angels); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Aishat Animashaun (Remo Stars Ladies FC)