Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s Football Team, the Flamingos, Embark on Journey to 2025 FIFA World Cup
The Nigerian U-17 women’s national football team, affectionately known as the Flamingos, have commenced their preparations for the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. Head coach Bankole Olowookere has assembled a squad of 30 talented young players, hailing from various clubs across Nigeria, to begin training in Abuja. This group comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders, and nine forwards, each vying for a spot on the final roster that will represent Nigeria on the global stage. The selection process reflects the abundance of young female football talent in the country. The upcoming World Cup is not just another tournament; it marks a significant step in the growth of women’s football, expanding to a 24-team format for the first time. The Flamingos’ participation signifies their continued progress and their ambition to excel at the highest level of international competition.
The 30-player provisional squad features a mix of familiar faces and promising newcomers, all eager to contribute to the team’s success. The goalkeeping contingent includes Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels), Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers), Abigail Nmecha (Team Abia), and Sylva Echefu (Bayelsa Queens), tasked with providing a secure last line of defense. The defensive line, a crucial component of any successful team, is composed of Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels), Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo), Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers), Ufuoma Lucky (Royal Queens, Warri), Choice Ovwighovwiroro (New Generation, Abuja), Maryjane Ikeche (Ahudiyannem Queens), Blessed Isigbo (Remo Stars Ladies), and Grace Ufot (Fortress Ladies). Their collective responsibility is to thwart opposing attacks and build the foundation for offensive maneuvers.
The midfield, often the engine room of a team, boasts a combination of playmaking ability and defensive grit. Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Fatimah Shuaib (Confluence Queens), Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Taiwo Lukman (Confluence Queens), Esther Lasisi (N-Youth, Abuja), Precious Nkwocha (Imo Strikers), Gift Anekan (New Generation, Abuja), and Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC) constitute this crucial link between defense and attack. Their roles involve dictating the tempo of the game, creating scoring opportunities, and providing defensive cover. Upfront, the attacking force features Kaosara Olanrewaju (Aisha Yusuf Academy, Lagos), Kindness Ifeanyi (Bayelsa Queens), Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy), Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy), Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo), Destiny Itodore (Delta Queens), Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels), and Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99). These players carry the responsibility of converting chances into goals, the ultimate objective in football.
The Flamingos’ qualification for the 2025 World Cup was earned through hard-fought victories against South Africa and Algeria in the qualifying series. Their previous success, achieving a bronze medal at the 2022 edition of the tournament, serves as both inspiration and motivation for this campaign. The team aims to build on their past achievements and make a significant impact on the global stage. The tournament, being held in Morocco, will offer a unique opportunity for the Flamingos to showcase their talent and compete against the best U-17 teams from around the world.
Morocco’s selection as the host nation for five consecutive editions of the tournament underscores the country’s growing prominence in the football world and its commitment to developing the sport. The matches will be played across four venues in two cities, adding to the excitement and atmosphere of the competition. The Prince Héritier Moulay el-Hassan Sports Complex, Prince Moulay Abdellah Sport Complex, Al Barid Stadium, and the Mohamed VI Football Academy will serve as the battlegrounds for these young athletes, providing state-of-the-art facilities and creating an environment conducive to high-quality football.
As the Flamingos begin their preparations, the coaching staff will focus on honing the players’ technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning. Team chemistry and mental fortitude will also be key areas of emphasis, as the players will need to work together cohesively and handle the pressure of competing on a global platform. The coaching staff’s experience and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the team towards peak performance. The expansion of the tournament to 24 teams adds a new dimension to the competition, providing more opportunities for emerging football nations to participate and showcase their talent. This broadened field not only elevates the global reach of women’s football but also enhances the competitiveness and excitement of the tournament. The Flamingos’ participation in this expanded format is a testament to their growing stature in the world of women’s football.
