Flamingos Begin Final Preparations for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic
Nigeria’s U17 girls’ football team, the Flamingos, have kicked off the first phase of their final preparations for the 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in the Dominican Republic later this year. Head coach Bankole Olowookere has called up 35 players to camp as the team intensifies its efforts to be in peak condition for the global tournament.
The Flamingos were dominant throughout their qualifying campaign, scoring an impressive 25 goals across six matches. They dispatched the Central African Republic with a comprehensive 6-0 victory in both legs, outclassed Burkina Faso with a 7-1 aggregate in the third round, and overcame Liberia with a 6-1 aggregate in the final round.
Leading the squad is Harmony Chidi, who emerged as a standout performer during the qualifiers, netting a remarkable 13 goals. Chidi is joined by her formidable strike partner, Peace Effiong, along with team captain Taiwo Afolabi, goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, and defender Prisca Nwachukwu, all of whom have been crucial to the team’s success so far.
The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted in the cities of Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo from October 16th to November 3rd, 2024. Nigeria has been drawn into Group A, where they will face the host nation, the Dominican Republic, along with Ecuador and New Zealand.
Full Squad List for Flamingos’ Final Camp
Goalkeepers:
- Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens)
- Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens)
- Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)
- Mary Igieneh (Osun Babes)
- Juliana Simon (Youthsfon Kaduna)
Defenders:
- Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers)
- Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels)
- Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies)
- Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens)
- Rokibat Azeez (New Generation FA)
- Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
- Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens)
- Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)
- Timilehin Faluyi (Asisat Oshoala Academy)
- Elizabeth Adesuyi (Castmog Ladies)
Midfielders:
- Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens)
- Mary Aderemi (Bayelsa Queens)
- Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens)
- Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports)
- Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy)
- Farikike Moses (Dannaz Queens)
- Amarachukwu Onuorah (Edo Queens)
- Justina Owolabi (Ondo State Academy)
- Adanna Nwachukwu (Naija Ratels)
Forwards:
- Yetunde Ayantosho (Heartland Queens)
- Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers)
- Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot)
- Ramota Kareem (Honey Badgers)
- Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels)
- Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels)
- Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens)
- Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)
- Aishat Bolarinwa (Ghetto Tigers)
- Azeezat Oluwole (Rig Football Club)
Group Draw for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024
Group A: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nigeria
Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia
Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England
Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia
As the tournament approaches, the Flamingos are focused on refining their tactics and building team cohesion. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, Nigeria’s young footballers are determined to make a strong impression on the world stage. The team’s first match in the tournament will set the tone for their campaign as they aim to advance through a competitive group and beyond.
