U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier: Nigeria U17 silence South Africa’s Bantwana in Pretoria

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigeria’s U17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, have made a strong start to their quest for a spot in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, securing a 3-1 win over South Africa’s Bantwana in the first leg of their African qualifier on Saturday.

Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring in the 20th minute, and Chidi Harmony doubled the lead with a penalty in the 40th minute.

South Africa’s Malebana reduced the deficit early in the second half, scoring in the 47th minute, but Harmony sealed the victory with her second goal in the 68th minute.

This match was part of the second round of African qualifiers, with the return leg set for Saturday, March 16, 2025.

The winner will move one step closer to booking a spot in the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.