Flamingos’ coach unveils squad for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere has named attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo, and forward Queen Joseph among a squad of 21 players to represent Nigeria at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.
The Flamingos arrived in Morocco’s commercial and industrial capital, Casablanca, on Wednesday for the final phase of preparations ahead of the competition, which will hold from October 17 to November 8.
Olowookere, who led Nigeria to a bronze-medal finish at the 2022 edition of the tournament in India, expressed confidence that the Class of 2025 has what it takes to surpass the achievement of his previous squad.
Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, and forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya are also included in the list.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. The Flamingos will kick off their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before facing France three days later — both matches scheduled for 8 p.m. Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2 and Pitch 1) in the city of Salé.
Their final group-stage encounter will be against Samoa on October 25, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) in Salé.
Squad list:
Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)
Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Rivers Angels); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99); Fatimoh Shuaib (Nasarawa Amazons)
Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy); Zainab Raji (Dannaz FC); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC)
Forwards: Kaosarat Olanrewaju (Ayishat Yusuf Academy, Lagos); Mariam Yahaya (FC Robo); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo); Precious Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Chisom Nwachukwu
