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Shakirat Moshood ready to lead Nigeria’s charge at Morocco 2025
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Following her impressive performance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024, Shakirat Moshood is back and ready to spearhead Nigeria’s quest for glory at the upcoming edition in Morocco.
It took the talented forward just one minute and 21 seconds to make her mark in the Dominican Republic, becoming the tournament’s first goalscorer when Nigeria opened their campaign against New Zealand.
The 16-year-old’s composure and finishing ability were evident as the Flamingos went on to claim a 4-1 victory.
Moshood continued her fine form throughout the competition, netting twice in the 4-0 win over Ecuador and scoring the winner in a 1-0 triumph against hosts Dominican Republic.
Despite Nigeria’s 2-0 quarter-final loss to the United States of America (USA), the striker from Ibadan, Oyo State, emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Having turned 17 on January 4, Moshood remains eligible for the 2025 tournament and is eager to build on her World Cup debut.
“Playing in this competition again means a lot to me,” she told FIFA. “Since my first World Cup, I’ve been improving and working on myself. At my second World Cup, I know I’ll achieve great things again.”
The Bayelsa Queens forward, who scored four goals in the 2024 tournament — one shy of Spain’s Pau Comendador, who won the adidas Golden Boot — is in fine form ahead of Morocco 2025.
“I’ve made progress,” she said. “We played in the WAFU Zone B qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League, and I was the top scorer in the group. I’m working on scoring more goals and improving the quality of my finishes.”
Now the captain of the Flamingos, Moshood has matured into a leader on and off the pitch. “I’m different from last year,” she explained. “I use my World Cup experience to motivate my teammates, encouraging them to train hard and stay fit.”
Nicknamed “Shaki”, Moshood has set her sights on more goals — and bigger prizes. “I’m going to Morocco, and I want to score more than four goals,” she declared. “I also want to lift the trophy and make Nigeria proud. We have enough quality, and with the coach’s guidance, I believe we can go all the way.”
Looking beyond Morocco, Moshood hopes her development will pave the way for senior national team opportunities. “Yes, I think it’s possible to play at the 2027 Women’s World Cup,” she said. “But my game will speak for itself.”
With her confidence, consistency, and hunger for success, Shakirat Moshood remains one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents — and a player to watch as the Flamingos aim for world glory once again.
