Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, 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 qualifier against South Africa’s Bantwana.
The Flamingos, bronze medallists at the 2022 World Cup, were given a bye to the second round of the African qualifiers. In contrast, South Africa dominated Gabon in the first round with a staggering 21-2 aggregate victory, winning 12-1 away and 9-1 at home.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, emphasized the importance of early preparations for the crucial fixture.
“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. Matches between Nigeria and South Africa are always intense, and the Flamingos remain the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world.”
Meanwhile, Bantwana’s head coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, has called for longer preparation and squad reinforcements to compete against Nigeria.
“Tactically, Nigeria is strong, and we need to reinforce our team. We also need more preparation time with a longer camp and friendly matches to be ready for the next round.”
The 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. The competition has been expanded to 24 teams, with Africa set to be represented by five nations, including the host country.
Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere, who guided the team to third place in India in 2022 and a quarter-final finish last year, has invited 30 players for the training camp.
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 qualifier is scheduled to take place between March 7-16.
0 Comments