Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team will depart for Pretoria on Wednesday ahead of their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against the South African U-17 side.
The first leg of the second-round qualifier will take place on Saturday, March 8, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, with kickoff scheduled for 3 PM South Africa time (2 PM Nigeria time).
Match Officials & CAF Assignments
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Kenyan referee Josephine Wanjiku to officiate the match.
Assistant Referees: Mary Njoroge (Kenya) & Elizabeth Njoroge (Kenya)
Fourth Official: Juma Lucy Awino (Kenya)
Match Commissioner: Cindy Barbara Dludlu (eSwatini)
Referee Assessor: Khadija Rezzag (Morocco)
Flamingos’ Squad & Key Players
Head coach Bankole Olowookere has selected 19 players for the trip, with key inclusions such as:
Goalkeeper:
Christiana Uzoma
Defenders:
Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo
Midfielders:
Shakirat Moshood, Muinat Rotimi
Forwards:
Harmony Chidi, Chisom Nwachukwu
Flamingos vs. Bantwana: Road to Qualification
Nigeria drew a bye to the second round, advancing automatically.
South Africa’s Bantwana demolished Gabon 21-2 on aggregate in the first round.
Return Leg & Qualification Format
The second leg will take place on Saturday, March 15, at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, Nigeria.
The winner on aggregate will advance to the third round of the qualification series.
Africa has five slots at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco (October 17 – November 8).
Full Flamingos Squad for South Africa
Christiana Uzoma
Onyinyechi Opara
Hannah Ibrahim
Jumai Adebayo
Temilade Fafore
Shavih Istifanus
Taiwo Adegoke
Shakirat Moshood
Muinat Rotimi
Azeezat Oduntan
Philomena Ochanya
Aishat Animashaun
Elizabeth Boniface
Queen Joseph
Olamide Olanrewaju
Chisom Nwachukwu
Harmony Chidi
Favour Iheagwaram
Christiana Sunday
The Flamingos will be aiming for a strong first-leg performance in Pretoria as they seek to qualify for their seventh FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance.
