Flamingos begin camping for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against South Africa
by Olaolu
Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, will begin their training camp on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, as they prepare for their two-legged FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa’s Bantwana.
The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists received a bye to the second round of the African qualifiers, while South Africa dominated their first-round encounter against Gabon, winning 12-1 away and 9-1 at home for a staggering 21-2 aggregate victory.
“It is important that the Flamingos start their camping early for this second-round fixture, not just because South Africa won their first-round matches 21-2 on aggregate, but because that is the right thing to do. We are aware that matches between Nigeria and South Africa are always full of intensity, emotions, and a strong desire to win from both teams.
“The Flamingos remain the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world, and they will be adequately prepared for the challenges ahead,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s head coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, has urged the South African Football Association to provide his team with a longer preparation period and reinforcements to withstand Nigeria’s challenge in the qualifiers, scheduled between March 7 and 16.
“Yes, tactically they (Nigeria) are good, like us, but when we play pound-for-pound, our players are not ready for that. We need reinforcements because I still believe we have more quality players who deserve to be part of the team.
“Also, we need more preparation, with a longer camp and friendly games, to ensure we are ready for the next round,” Khumalo stated.
This year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 8. The competition has been expanded to a 24-nation format and will now be held annually, with Africa presenting five teams, including host nation Morocco.
Coach Bankole Olowookere, who led Nigeria to a third-place finish in India in 2022 and the quarter-finals last year, has called up 30 players for the camping exercise starting Sunday.
Full Squad List:
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 Flamingos will look to build on their recent successes and secure one of Africa’s five World Cup spots as they take on a determined South African side.
