Nigeria will kick off their 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign against New Zealand this Wednesday, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.

Nigeria, drawn into a group with New Zealand, hosts Dominican Republic, and Ecuador, is set to begin their pursuit of the title with high hopes to improve their previous outing’s third place.

Match Details

Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Location: Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
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Ahead of the tournament, the Flamingos played a friendly match against Mexico, drawing 1-1. The warm-up game provided coach Bankole Olowookere with a chance to fine-tune his squad’s tactics before the competition begins.

Friendly match between Nigeria and Mexico ahead of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. Photo | X

Olowookere stated, “The match against Mexico is just another opening and touched on what we were expecting at the World Cup. It was a tough match… With that match, it’s just preparing us. We are above half ready.”

The Flamingos, who earned their first-ever bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India, are looking to go one step further this time, led by star striker Harmony Chidi.

Key Player to Watch: Harmony Chidi, the team’s standout striker, has been crucial in helping Nigeria qualify for the World Cup.

Nigeria U17 WNT forward, Harmony Chidi. Photo | Getty Images

Scoring 12 goals in qualifying, including two hat-tricks, she enters the tournament as one of the players to watch.

Nigeria vs New Zealand When these teams met at the 2022 U17 Women’s World Cup in India, Nigeria dominated, winning 4-0.

However, New Zealand is expected to offer stronger resistance this time. The Kiwis, coached by Alana Gunn, come into the tournament with 21 players, many of whom were part of the team that won the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship.

New Zealand Squad Highlights New Zealand will rely heavily on the talents of Laura Bennett, who won the Golden Boot at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, scoring 10 goals. Other key players include Mikaela Bangalan, Emily Humphrey, and Hannah Saxon.

Flamingos’ Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma, Elizabeth Boniface, Sylvia Echefu
Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu, Jumai Adebayo, Taiwo Adegoke, Rokibat Azeez, Hannah Ibrahim, Vivian Ekezie, Ololade Isiaka
Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi, Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood, Muinat Rotimi
Forwards: Oghenemairo Obruthe, Harmony Chidi, Kudirat Arogundade, Ramotalahi Kareem, Aishat Animashaun, Peace Effiong, Blessing Ifitezue
Both teams are regular participants in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and fans can expect an exciting opener between these two tournament regulars.

Will the Flamingos start their campaign on a high, or will New Zealand surprise them? All eyes will be on Santiago de los Caballeros for the answer.