Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, will begin their training camp on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, as they gear up for their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying double-header against South Africa’s Bantwana.
The Flamingos, bronze medallists at the 2022 World Cup, were granted a bye to the second round of the African qualifiers. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Bantwana dominated their first-round tie, thrashing Gabon 21-2 on aggregate, with emphatic 12-1 and 9-1 victories in the home-and-away fixtures.
Recognizing the challenge ahead, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, emphasized the importance of early preparations.
“It is crucial that the Flamingos begin camping early, not just because South Africa won their first-round matches convincingly, but because that is the right approach. Matches between Nigeria and South Africa are always intense, emotional, and highly competitive. The Flamingos remain the best team in Africa and among the strongest globally, and they will be well-prepared for this challenge,” Sanusi stated.
On the other hand, Bantwana’s Head Coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, has urged the South African Football Association for an extended preparation period and reinforcements to match Nigeria’s strength.
“Tactically, Nigeria is good, just like us. But if we compare pound-for-pound, our players are not quite ready for that level. We need reinforcements because I believe we have more quality players who deserve to be part of the squad. Also, a longer camp and friendly games will be vital in ensuring we are fully prepared for the next round,” Khumalo explained.
The 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which will now be an annual tournament, will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. Africa will be represented by five teams, including host nation Morocco, in the expanded 24-team format.
Flamingos Head Coach, Bankole Olowookere, who guided the team to a historic third-place finish in India in 2022 and a quarter-final run last year, has invited 30 players to the training camp. The squad includes key names like goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.
Flamingos’ Camp Squad for South Africa Clash
Goalkeepers:
Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens)
Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers)
Maureen Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies)
Stella Emperor (Adamawa Queens)
Defenders:
Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels)
Jennifer Ozoani (Greenfoot FC)
Marylyn Edem (Nasarawa Amazons)
Amblessed Ogbonnaya (Bayelsa Queens)
Ifeoma Ogoegbe (Greenfoot FC)
Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens)
Shavih Istifanus (Jos)
Midfielders:
Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens)
Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy)
Charles Nwabueze (Abia Angels)
Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa Amazons)
Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy)
Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens)
Fatima Solaty (Dannaz Ladies)
Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy)
Shakirat Bashiru (New Generation SC)
Forwards:
Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels)
Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers)
Seun Fakunle (Ekiti Queens)
Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels)
Favour Iheagwaram (Abia Angels)
Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers)
Grace Saliu (Naija Ratels)
Afensimi Omon (Adamawa Queens)
Anuoluwapo Awotidoye (Naija Ratels)
The first leg of the Nigeria vs South Africa qualifier will take place between March 7-16, as both teams battle for a place at the U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
