Coach Bankole Olowookere names 21 players for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

Head coach Bankole Olowookere has unveiled his 21-player squad for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, as Nigeria’s Flamingos aim to build on their historic bronze medal finish from the 2022 edition in India.

The Nigerian team has already arrived in Casablanca to commence their final phase of preparations ahead of the tournament, which runs from October 17 to November 8.

Olowookere, who guided Nigeria to their best-ever finish three years ago, expressed confidence in the new crop of players, describing them as capable of surpassing previous achievements.

Notable names in the squad include attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo, and forward Queen Joseph.

The team also features goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, as well as forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya.

Drawn in Group D, the Flamingos will face Canada, France, and Samoa. Nigeria open their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before taking on France three days later.

Their final group game comes against Samoa on October 25, kicking off at 5 p.m. at the same venue.

Check out the list of 21 players below:

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 (Rivers Angels)