Ghana 2024: Afolabi out, Solaty in, as Olowookere reveals Nigeria WAFU B squad list

By Monsurah Olatunji

Ahead of the inaugural WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup, head coach Bankole Olowookere has named a 25-player squad for Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, in preparation for the tournament set to take place in Ghana from December 12 to 26, 2024.

The competition, which will feature six teams from the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B, will see Nigeria placed in Group B alongside Niger and Côte d’Ivoire. Hosts Ghana head Group A with Burkina Faso and Benin Republic.

Olowookere has largely retained the core of the squad that progressed to the quarterfinals of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

However, there are new inclusions as some players have been excused from the team. Notably, midfielder Shakirat Moshood, who scored four goals in the World Cup, has been included, alongside new call-ups such as Fatimoh Solaty and Janet Akekoromowei.

The squad also features key players from the World Cup campaign, including first-choice goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Taiwo Adegoke and Jumai Adebayo, as well as forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.

List of Invited Players:

Goalkeepers:

• Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens)
• Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens)
• Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)
• Chiamaka Enebeli (RoyalTom FC)

Defenders:

• Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy)
• Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies)
• Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels)
• Ayomide Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
• Prisca Nwachukwu (Heartland Queens)
• Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)
• Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens)
• Oghenemairo Obruthe (Lagos City)

Midfielders:

• Saida Adebiyi (Confluence Queens)
• Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens)
• Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy)
• Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons)
• Fatimoh Solaty (Dannaz Ladies)

Forwards:

• Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers)
• Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels)
• Mary Nkpa (Abia Angels)
• Blessing Ifitezue (Rivers Angels)
• Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels)
• Mary Mamudu (Edo Queens)
• Precious Oscar (Bayelsa Queens)
• Janet Akekoromowei (Nasarawa Amazons)

All invited players are expected to report at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to commence preparations for the tournament.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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