The Nigeria Football Federation has invited 30 players for the country’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, for their upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying double-header against South Africa’s Bantwana, Soccernet.football reports.

The squad will begin a preparatory camp on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, as they aim to secure a ticket to Morocco 2025.

The Flamingos, who finished third at the 2022 World Cup in India, were granted a bye to the second round of the African qualifiers.

APK’ in Navi Mumbai: Our Flamingos claimed the third place bronze after a 3-2 win on penalties. Second African side to achieve this feat.

Ending well, was all that matters!

Nigeria 3-3 Germany #SoarFlamingos #KickOffTheDream #NGAGER @thenff pic.twitter.com/GhKjwLoLRS

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 30, 2022

Meanwhile, South Africa made a ruthless statement in the first round, thrashing Gabon 21-2 on aggregate—securing a 12-1 win away before completing the demolition with a 9-1 victory at home.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has emphasized the importance of early preparations for what promises to be a fierce contest.

“It is important that the Flamingos start their camping early, not just because South Africa won their first-round matches 21-2 on aggregate, but because that is the right thing to do,” Sanusi said.

“We are aware that matches between Nigeria and South Africa are always full of heat, huge emotion, and determination to conquer. The Flamingos remain the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world, and they will be adequately prepared for the challenges ahead.”

However, South Africa’s head coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, has raised concerns about his side’s readiness.

“Tactically, Nigeria are strong, just like us, but if you compare pound-for-pound, our players are not yet ready,” Khumalo said. “We need reinforcements and a longer camp with friendly games to be fully prepared for the next round.”

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, the first to be held annually, is scheduled for 17 October – 8 November in Morocco, with Africa allocated five slots, including hosts Morocco.

Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere, who guided the team to the 2022 semi-finals and last year’s quarter-finals, has included key players such as goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong in his 30-player squad.

The two-legged clash against South Africa is set to take place between 7-16 March, with Nigeria aiming to continue their dominance at this level.

FLAMINGOS’ 30 FOR SOUTH AFRICA:

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)

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