Nigeria’s Flamingos are set to begin their preparatory camp on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo. The two-time World Cup semi-finalists will face South Africa’s Bantwana in a crucial two-legged qualifier for a ticket to Morocco 2025.
The Flamingos, who secured a historic bronze medal at the 2022 edition in India, advanced to the second round of the African qualifiers without kicking a ball. In contrast, South Africa delivered a brutal statement, obliterating Gabon 21-2 on aggregate in the first round.
The Bantwana ran riot with a 12-1 demolition in Gabon before sealing their superiority with a 9-1 victory at home.
A Battle of African Heavyweights
The upcoming fixture is far from a routine encounter—it’s a battle of two ambitious teams with a fierce history of rivalry in African football.
Nigeria, a dominant force in the continent’s youth football scene, is well aware that South Africa will come into the clash with confidence, hunger, and momentum after their devastating show of attacking firepower in the first round.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, emphasized the importance of early preparation for such a high-stakes encounter.
“This is not just another qualifier. Nigeria vs South Africa is always a heated contest, full of intensity, emotions, and a strong desire to conquer.
The Flamingos remain one of the best teams in Africa and the world, and we are leaving nothing to chance in ensuring that they are well-prepared for the challenge ahead.”
While the Flamingos enter the tie as favourites based on pedigree, Bantwana’s head coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, has already raised concerns about his team’s ability to match Nigeria in quality and physicality.
“Tactically, Nigeria is very good, just like us. But when you go pound-for-pound, we are not ready yet. We need reinforcements, a longer camp, and more competitive friendlies to be able to stand up to Nigeria.
There are quality players in our country who deserve a place in the squad, and if we can get them, we will be in a stronger position.”
Flamingos’ Road to Morocco 2025
This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, marks the first time the competition will be held annually and feature an expanded 24-team format.
Africa has been allocated five slots, including the host nation Morocco, leaving just four available for qualification.
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Coach Bankole Olowookere, who guided the Flamingos to third place in 2022 and the quarter-finals last year, has assembled a 30-player squad filled with both experienced talents and promising newcomers.
Notable names include goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, midfield sensation Shakirat Moshood, and deadly forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.
Full Squad List
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 (FC 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)
High Expectations for the Flamingos
The Flamingos are expected to dominate and secure their place at the global tournament in Morocco. However, they cannot afford to underestimate a fired-up South African side looking to cause an upset.
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As the countdown to the two-legged showdown (scheduled between March 7–16) begins, Nigeria’s young stars will aim to showcase their quality, teamwork, and championship mentality to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
