Flamingos head to South Africa for crucial U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier

Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, will depart Nigeria for South Africa on Wednesday for their crucial two-leg FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against the South African U17 team, Bantwana.

The highly anticipated match will kick off at 3 pm South Africa time (2 pm Nigeria time) on Saturday, March 8, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.

Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere has finalized his squad, selecting 19 talented players, including key figures like goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Chisom Nwachukwu.

While the 2022 FIFA World Cup bronze medallists Nigeria received a bye to the second round, Bantwana demonstrated their strength by overwhelming Gabon 21-2 on aggregate.

CAF-appointed officials include referee Josephine Wanjiku, with assistants Mary Njoroge and Elizabeth Njoroge, and fourth official Juma Lucy Awino, all hailing from Kenya. Cindy Barbara Dludlu from eSwatini will serve as the commissioner, while Moroccan Khadija Rezzag will take on the role of referee assessor.

The fierce competition will continue in the return leg at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo on Saturday, March 15, where the winner on aggregate will advance to the third round of the qualification campaign.

The 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, featuring 24 nations. Africa will be represented by five teams, including the host nation.

19 FLAMINGOS TEAM FOR SOUTH AFRICA:

Christiana Uzoma, Onyinyechi Opara, Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Temilade Fafore, Shavih Istifanus, Taiwo Adegoke, Shakirat Moshood, Muinat Rotimi, Azeezat Oduntan, Philomena Ochanya, Aishat Animashaun, Elizabeth Boniface, Queen Joseph, Olamide Olanrewaju, Chisom Nwachukwu, Harmony Chidi, Favour Iheagwaram, Christiana Sunday