Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has invited 25 players to camp as Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, prepare for the WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup in Ghana, Soccernet.ng reports.
The tournament is scheduled to run from December 12 to 26, 2024.
The squad primarily features players who reached the quarter-finals of the recent FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where the Flamingos also clinched the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.
Despite a 2-0 defeat to eventual bronze medalists, the USA, in the quarter-finals, the team showed immense promise.
Topping the list is star midfielder Shakirat Moshood, who scored four goals in the World Cup.
Moshood is joined by first-choice goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Taiwo Adegoke, Jumai Adebayo, and Prisca Nwachukwu, as well as midfielders Farida Abdulwahab and forwards Harmony Chidi, Peace Effiong, and Janet Akekoromowei.
The Flamingos are drawn into Group B of the six-team competition, alongside Niger Republic and Côte d’Ivoire. Host nation Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Benin Republic make up Group A.
Coach Olowookere expects all invited players to report to the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on December 3, 2024, for preparations.
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens); Chiamaka Enebeli (RoyalTom FC)
Defenders: Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo Naija Ratels); Ayomide Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Prisca Nwachukwu (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels); Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens); Oghenemairo Obruthe (Lagos City)
Midfielders: Saida Adebiyi (Confluence Queens); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Fatimoh Solaty (Dannaz Ladies)
Forwards: Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Mary Nkpa (Abia Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Rivers Angels); Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Mary Mamudu (Edo Queens); Precious Oscar (Bayelsa Queens); Janet Akekoromowei (Nasarawa Amazons)