Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have revealed their 19-player squad ahead of the final round of qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Head coach Bankole Olowokeere confirmed the squad to video journalist Ademola Victor as the team gears up for a two-legged tie against South Africa.
The selected squad includes three goalkeepers, five defenders, six midfielders, and five forwards. Key players in the squad include attackers Harmony Chidi from Imo Strikers and Shakirat Moshood from Bayelsa Queens.
The Flamingos will travel to South Africa for the first leg on March 8 and will host the return leg at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on March 15.
The winner will secure a spot in the World Cup, joining host nation Morocco as one of Africa’s three representatives.
Heading into the qualifier, the Flamingos are in strong form, having played three warm-up matches. The team secured victories against Nakamura FA and ANWFCC All Stars, and finished with a 1-1 draw against Beyond Limits U13 boys in their final friendly.
Under Olowokeere, the Flamingos have been dominant in recent World Cup qualifiers, remaining unbeaten in their last 14 qualifying matches.
They have secured 12 wins, scoring 51 goals and conceding only four, with three of those victories being by a commanding 6-0 scoreline.
First Competitive Meeting with South Africa
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Nigeria’s Flamingos and South Africa’s U17 team, the Bantwana. While South Africa presents a new challenge, Nigeria’s exceptional record in qualifiers makes them the favorites heading into the match.
Photo by Imago
The Flamingos are regular contenders at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, having qualified for every edition except for the 2018 tournament. Their best finish came in 2022 when they placed third in India.
Full Squad:
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)
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Olowokeere’s squad will be determined to build on that success and secure Nigeria’s eighth World Cup appearance, with hopes of advancing even further in Morocco.
