Nigeria’s head coach, Bankole Olowookere, has named a 21-player squad to represent the country at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic next month, Soccernet.ng reports.
The team, which reached the semi-finals in the last edition, is set to compete in Group A alongside hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand.
Olowookere has retained the core of the side that dominated the African qualifiers, where the Flamingos netted a remarkable 25 goals across three rounds.
The squad will once again be captained by dynamic midfielder Taiwo Afolabi, who will be participating in her second U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Forward Harmony Chidi, the top scorer from the qualifiers with 13 goals, is also included and will be a key figure in Nigeria’s attacking line-up alongside Peace Effiong.
Our sisters, Flamingos attacking trio – Harmony Chidi, Blessing Ifitezue and Peace Effiong share their readiness for U17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic #U17WWC #SoarFlamingos pic.twitter.com/IWhRS2iyDU
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) September 30, 2024
Defensive solidity will be provided by players like Taiwo Adegoke, while Christiana Uzoma will retain her position as first-choice goalkeeper, with backups Sylvia Echefu and Elizabeth Boniface providing competition.
The Flamingos’ journey to the World Cup saw them secure dominant victories, including a 12-0 win against the Central African Republic and a 7-1 triumph over Burkina Faso. They rounded off their qualifying campaign with a 6-1 victory over Liberia.
The team will depart Nigeria on Tuesday, October 1, heading to the Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, for a two-week training camp.
Their first World Cup match will be against New Zealand on October 16, followed by Ecuador on October 19, and a group-stage finale against the hosts on October 23.
Nigeria will aim to surpass their bronze medal finish from the previous tournament and bring glory to the nation on the global stage.
FULL LIST OF FLAMINGOS’ SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)
Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)
Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)
Forwards: Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens)
GROUPS AT 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup
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