National Teams
Flamingos jet off to South Africa for U17 World Cup qualifier against Bantwana
By Dayo Awoniyi
Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, are set to depart for South Africa on Wednesday, ahead of their crucial FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against the Bantwana.
The match will take place on Saturday, March 8, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, with kickoff scheduled for 3 pm South African time (2 pm Nigerian time).
Under the guidance of Head Coach Bankole Olowookere, the Flamingos will be aiming for a strong performance as they face their South African counterparts in the first leg of the qualification tie.
The winner of this two-leg encounter will progress to the third round of the qualification campaign, with the ultimate goal of securing one of Africa’s five spots at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
A 19-player squad has been selected for the vital match, featuring goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Chisom Nwachukwu.
The Flamingos are poised for a tough challenge against Bantwana, but with their sights set firmly on the prize, they will be looking to secure a positive result on South African soil.
The full list of players making the trip to South Africa is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma, Onyinyechi Opara
- Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Temilade Fafore, Shavih Istifanus, Taiwo Adegoke
- Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood, Muinat Rotimi, Azeezat Oduntan, Philomena Ochanya, Aishat Animashaun, Elizabeth Boniface, Queen Joseph, Olamide Olanrewaju
- Forwards: Chisom Nwachukwu, Harmony Chidi, Favour Iheagwaram, Christiana Sunday
