Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi headline Nigeria U17 Women’s World Cup squad

By Monsurah Olatunji 

Head Coach of the Nigeria U17 women’s team, Flamingos, Bankole Olowookere has released his final list for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic.

The Flamingos resumed trial camp some weeks back with thirty-eight players. However, only twenty-one will be representing the nation at the tournament.

Top of the list is team captain Taiwo Afolabi who is the only player from the squad that finished third at the last edition in India.

Attacking duo Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong are also on the roster as they look to propel the team to historic glory on the Caribbean Island.

Clinical Harmony scored 13 of the team’s record-setting 25 goals in the qualifying series, as the bronze medallists barnstormed their way past the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso and Liberia in the continental campaign.

Ayomide Rotimi is notably the only addition to the qualifying squad as she will be operating from the midfield with petite midfielder Afolabi.

Nigeria will compete in Group A of the 16-nation finals alongside host nation Dominican Republic, Ecuador and New Zealand.

Full list:

Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)

Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)

Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)

Forwards: Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens).