FIFA U17 Women’s WC Qualifiers: Flamingos Begin Camping in Ikenne-Remo with 30-Player Squad for South Africa Clash

Emmanuel Oladele Saturday, February 08, 2025

Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will commence their preparation for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Sunday, as they gear up for their two-leg showdown against South Africa’s Bantwana.

The Flamingos, who finished third at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, advanced directly to the second round of the African qualifiers, while South Africa dominated their first-round opponents, Gabon, with a staggering 21-2 aggregate victory (12-1 away, 9-1 at home).

Flamingos Ready for the Challenge

With the qualifiers scheduled between March 7-16, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has emphasized the need for early preparations. NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, reiterated that the Flamingos are Africa’s best team and one of the strongest sides globally.

“It is important that the Flamingos start their camping early, not just because South Africa won their first-round matches 21-2 on aggregate, but because that is the right thing to do. Matches between Nigeria and South Africa are always intense, and we must be well-prepared,” Sanusi stated.

On the other hand, South Africa’s head coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, has urged the South African Football Association to provide a longer preparation period and reinforcements to strengthen his team before facing Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a tactically good team, just like us, but if we go pound-for-pound, our players are not ready yet. We need reinforcements and more preparation, including friendly matches, to ensure we are fully prepared,” Khumalo said.

Flamingos Squad and Camping Details

Flamingos head coach, Bankole Olowookere, who led the team to a third-place finish in 2022 and a quarter-final spot last year, has invited 30 players to camp in Ikenne-Remo. The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising young talents.

Full Squad List for Camping:

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)

Road to Morocco 2025

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, has been expanded to 24 teams and will now be an annual event. Africa will be represented by five teams, including the host nation, Morocco.

With the Flamingos aiming for another strong World Cup campaign, all eyes will be on their performances against South Africa as they seek qualification for the prestigious tournament.

Best of luck to the Flamingos!