Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s Team, the Flamingos, Takes a Decisive Step Towards World Cup Qualification with Away Victory Against South Africa
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, fondly nicknamed the Flamingos, took a significant stride towards securing a spot in the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over South Africa’s Bantwana in the first leg of their qualifying tie. The match, played at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, saw the Flamingos showcase their attacking prowess and tactical acumen, leaving them well-positioned to advance to the final round of qualifiers. This victory not only highlights the team’s current form but also underscores the growth and development of women’s football in Nigeria. The Flamingos are building on their recent success, including a historic bronze medal at the 2022 U-17 Women’s World Cup, demonstrating their ambition to become a consistent force on the global stage.
The Nigerian team wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Shakirat Moshood, a proven goal scorer who netted four times in the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup, finding the back of the net in the 20th minute. Moshood’s clinical finish gave the Flamingos an early lead and set the tone for the remainder of the match. This early goal allowed Nigeria to dictate the tempo and put pressure on the South African defense, disrupting their rhythm and forcing them to react. Moshood’s ability to capitalize on opportunities demonstrated her composure and sharp instincts in front of goal, qualities that have become synonymous with her playing style.
Harmony Chidi, a prolific striker who showcased her goal-scoring prowess with 13 goals during the qualifying campaign for the 2024 tournament, further extended Nigeria’s lead. Her penalty kick in the 40th minute showcased her composure under pressure, effectively doubling the Flamingos’ advantage before halftime. Chidi’s ability to consistently find the back of the net makes her a crucial asset to the team’s attacking strategy. Her penalty conversion not only extended the lead but also delivered a psychological blow to the South African side just before the break.
South Africa managed to pull one back shortly after the restart, with Malebana converting a penalty kick in the 42nd minute. This goal momentarily injected a sense of hope into the home crowd and put pressure on the Nigerian defense. However, the Flamingos responded resolutely, refusing to let the South African goal derail their momentum. This resilience and determination to maintain their lead speaks volumes about the team’s mental fortitude and focus.
Any hopes of a South African comeback were quickly extinguished by Harmony Chidi, who scored her second goal of the match in the 68th minute. Chidi’s brace restored Nigeria’s two-goal cushion and effectively sealed the victory for the Flamingos. Her consistent performance throughout the match underlined her importance to the team and her ability to deliver when it matters most. This second goal provided a crucial buffer and allowed the Nigerian team to confidently see out the remainder of the game.
The return leg, scheduled to be held at the Remo Stars’ Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Nigeria, promises to be an exciting encounter, although the Flamingos hold a significant advantage going into the second leg. The aggregate winner of the two-legged tie will progress to the final round of the qualifying series, where they will compete for one of the four African slots at the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup, hosted by Morocco. With the tournament scheduled from October 17 to November 5, the Flamingos are aiming to build on their previous success and make a strong showing on the world stage. Their impressive performance in the first leg against South Africa has certainly set the stage for an exciting journey towards qualification.
The Flamingos’ victory in South Africa not only puts them on the cusp of World Cup qualification but also serves as a testament to the development of women’s football in Nigeria. The team’s blend of young talent and experienced players, combined with their tactical flexibility and attacking prowess, makes them a formidable opponent. Their coach, Bankole Olowookere, has instilled a winning mentality in the squad, and their performance in the first leg against South Africa showcased their determination and focus. The Flamingos are determined to not only qualify for the World Cup but also to make a significant impact on the tournament and leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Nigerian female footballers. Their journey is a testament to the growing strength and potential of women’s football in Africa.
