By Boluwatife Kehinde
Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, have opened camp in Abuja as preparations intensify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The tournament runs from 17 October to 8 November, with Nigeria making their seventh appearance.
Head coach Bankole Olowookere invited 30 players to the training camp, including four goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders, and eight forwards.
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The squad features players from across the Nigeria Women’s Football League and academies nationwide.
Among the notable call-ups are goalkeepers Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels), Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers), and Sylva Echefu (Bayelsa Queens).
Defenders include Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels), and Grace Ufot (Fortress Ladies).
In midfield, Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Fatimah Shuaib (Confluence Queens), and Precious Nkwocha (Imo Strikers) stand out, while the attack is spearheaded by Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy), Destiny Itodore (Delta Queens), and Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels).
The Flamingos qualified by defeating South Africa and Algeria in the qualifiers. They head into the finals with growing confidence after making history at the last edition in India, where they won bronze—Africa’s first-ever podium finish at the competition.
Since their debut in 2008, Nigeria have been a consistent contender at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, playing 36 matches with 19 wins, five draws, and 12 losses, scoring 67 goals and conceding 45.
They have reached the quarter-finals on four occasions (2008, 2012, 2014, and 2024), underlining their reputation for resilience and talent production for the senior Super Falcons.
This year’s tournament also begins Morocco’s hosting rights for five successive editions, with matches across four venues: Prince Héritier Moulay el-Hassan Sports Complex, Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Al Barid Stadium, and the Mohamed VI Football Academy.
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With history on their side, the Flamingos will be aiming to surpass their bronze-winning feat and chase a maiden world title in Morocco.
