National Teams
U17WWC: Peace, Harmony top 35-Flamingos squad for Dominican Republic 2024
By Monsurah Olatunji
The Nigeria U17 women’s national team, has commenced their preparations for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 15, 2024.
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has called up 35 players to the Flamingos camp in Abuja, which officially began on August 18, 2024. The first official training session took place on August 19 with 20 players.
The Flamingos had an impressive qualification campaign, scoring 25 goals in six matches. They dominated their opponents, including a 6-0 victory over the Central African Republic in each leg, a 7-1 aggregate win over Burkina Faso, and a 6-1 aggregate triumph against Liberia.
Key players in the squad include Chidi Harmony, who netted a record-breaking 13 goals during the qualifiers, and Peace Effiong, her attacking partner.
Team captain and midfield leader Taiwo Afolabi, who is set to make her second World Cup appearance, is also among the invitees. Notably, Favour Edward, who was the second-choice goalkeeper during the qualifiers, did not make the list.
The World Cup will feature 16 teams, with Africa represented by Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia. Despite no African team having won the title at this level yet, the Flamingos are considered strong contenders, especially after securing third place in the 2022 competition.
They will face competition from hosts Dominican Republic, New Zealand, and Ecuador in the group stage.
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens), Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens), Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens), Mary Igieneh (Osun Babes), and Juliana Simon (Youthsfon Kaduna).
Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers), Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels), Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies), Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens), Rokibat Azeez (New Generation FA), Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens), Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels), Timilehin Faluyi (Asisat Oshoala Academy), and Elizabeth Adesuyi (Castmog Ladies).
Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens), Mary Aderemi (Bayelsa Queens), Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons), Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports), Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy), Farikike Moses (Dannaz Queens), Amarachukwu Onuorah (Edo Queens), Justina Owolabi (Ondo State Academy), and Adanna Nwachukwu (Naija Ratels).
Forwards: Yetunde Ayantosho (Heartland Queens), Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers), Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot), Ramota Kareem (Honey Badgers), Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels), Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels), Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Aishat Bolarinwa (Ghetto Tigers), and Azeezat Oluwole (Right Vision Academy).
