Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has unveiled the 21-woman roster for Nigeria’s U17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, as they prepare for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. The team will be led by Captain Taiwo Afolabi, a talented midfielder, alongside impactful forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong. Chidi has proven her worth by scoring an impressive 13 goals during the qualifying series, which totalled a record-setting 25 goals by the team. The Flamingos’ strong performance in the qualifier allowed them to overcome teams from the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, and Liberia, ultimately securing their place among the competing nations after winning a bronze medal at the previous edition of the tournament held in India.
In terms of tactical layout, Afolabi will spearhead the midfield, complemented by players such as Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood, and Ayomide Rotimi. The goalkeeper position is also well-fortified, with Christiana Uzoma expected to lead alongside capable backups Sylvia Echefu and Elizabeth Boniface. Defensively, Taiwo Adegoke will command a solid line of six defenders, which also includes players like Prisca Nwachukwu and Jumai Adebayo. Meanwhile, Chidi is not only a key player in terms of scoring but will also be supported by a robust attacking lineup that features Peace Effiong and other notable forwards.
As they prepare for the tournament, the Flamingos are placed in Group A, facing formidable hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand in the group stage. Nigeria’s placement bodes well for an exciting series of matches, and the team’s previous experience should serve them well in navigating through the initial rounds. The Flamingos will begin their journey on Tuesday, October 1st, boarding a Turkish Airlines flight for a two-week training camp in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. This training session is crucial for team cohesion and tactical sharpening ahead of their matches in the tournament.
The Nigerian squad is filled with an amalgamation of skill and youthful exuberance. Goalkeepers Christiana Uzoma from Edo Queens and Elizabeth Boniface from Sunshine Queens will compete for the starting position while being supported by Sylvia Echefu from Confluence Queens. The defenders come from various clubs across the country, highlighting the diverse talent pool available to the coach. Each player has demonstrated both individual talent and the ability to work collaboratively within a structured defense, critical for competitions at this level. Collectively, these skilled athletes create a formidable backline that opponents will find challenging to breach.
Additionally, the midfielders on the roster include standout talents like Taiwo Afolabi and Faridat Abdulwahab, who are expected to play pivotal roles in controlling the game’s tempo and creating opportunities for the forwards. The inclusion of Muinat Rotimi and Shakirat Moshood also adds depth, enhancing the team’s versatility in both defense and attack. These midfield players will need to link effectively with the forwards, including Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong, to convert their scoring opportunities into goals.
Ultimately, as the Flamingos head into the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, expectations are high for this young team from Nigeria. With a blend of youthful enthusiasm and competitive spirit, the squad’s strong showing in the qualifiers provides a solid foundation. The coaching staff, players, and support teams are geared up for success, hoping that their preparation in Santo Domingo crystallizes into a commendable performance. This prestigious tournament presents an opportunity for the Flamingos to showcase their talents on an international stage, and they are determined to build on their previous achievements as they aim for the gold.
