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.