Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will begin their quest for glory at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Sunday when they face Canada at Pitch 2 of the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Salé.

The match rekindles a rivalry that dates back 13 years — their only previous encounter at this level ended in a 1–1 draw. This time, however, both sides enter the contest more experienced and determined, with Nigeria eager to underline their evolution under head coach Bankole Olowookere.

The Flamingos arrived in Rabat brimming with confidence after an intense preparation phase that included several high-tempo friendly matches. The team impressed with double-digit victories, fluid attacking play, and relentless pressing — hallmarks of Olowookere’s high-energy, high-pressing football philosophy.

Their warm-up fixtures showcased resilience and tactical maturity, highlighted by a 3–2 victory over Paraguay following a narrow loss to New Zealand, results that have bolstered the squad’s belief ahead of their World Cup opener.

Sunday’s encounter is expected to be a tactical battle. The Canadians, known for their discipline, physicality, and defensive compactness, will provide a stern test of Nigeria’s attacking rhythm and composure under pressure.

Nigeria’s aspirations go beyond surviving the group stage. After a historic third-place finish in India in 2022 and a quarterfinal appearance at the last edition in the Dominican Republic, the Flamingos are determined to take another leap forward.

A strong start against Canada would not only boost confidence but also send a clear message of intent to the rest of Group D, which includes France and Samoa.

Kickoff in Salé promises to be the beginning of another exciting chapter in the Flamingos’ journey to cement their place among the world’s elite in women’s youth football.

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Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, wrapped up their pre-World Cup preparations in impressive fashion on Tuesday evening, defeating Paraguay 3–2 in a thrilling encounter at the Mohamed V Sports Complex in Casablanca.

The five-goal contest capped a productive build-up campaign for Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side, who have now played 12 friendly matches, scoring 50 goals and conceding just six ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The young Nigerians got off to a flying start, taking the lead within two minutes. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface delivered a pinpoint long ball to captain Shakirat Moshood, who laid it off neatly for forward Mariam Yahaya. Yahaya showed composure beyond her years, delicately chipping over the advancing Paraguayan goalkeeper to make it 1–0.

Eight minutes later, Moshood nearly doubled the lead but saw her effort sail narrowly over the crossbar. Paraguay then capitalised on a rare defensive lapse in the 15th minute, as Christiana Sunday’s misplaced clearance allowed the South Americans to level the score.

The equaliser injected fresh energy into the Paraguayan side, forcing Boniface into two crucial saves. But Nigeria soon regained control, and just before halftime, Yahaya struck twice in quick succession — first pouncing on a defensive mix-up in the 44th minute, then completing her hat-trick a minute later after a fine assist from Kaosarat Olanrewaju.

The Flamingos continued to dominate after the break, with Ayomide Abubakar and Moshood both testing the opposition defence. Substitute goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu also made her mark with a key save in the 69th minute to maintain Nigeria’s two-goal cushion. Paraguay managed to pull one back late on, but the Flamingos held firm to claim a well-deserved 3–2 victory.

With their training camp in Casablanca now concluded, the Nigerian team will move to Rabat on Wednesday morning to check into their official FIFA accommodation ahead of the tournament kickoff on October 17.

Drawn in Group D, the Flamingos will open their World Cup campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, face France on October 22, and round off the group phase against Samoa on October 25.

Coach Olowookere expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, describing the win as “a positive end to a rewarding preparation phase.”

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Nigeria’s Under-21 women’s team Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has unveiled a final squad of 21 players that will represent Nigeria at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup taking place in Morocco from 17 October to 8 November.

The list features a blend of exciting new talents and returning performers, including attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo, and forward Queen Joseph.

The Flamingos, who arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday for the final phase of preparations, are aiming to surpass their historic bronze-medal finish at the last edition of the tournament in India (2022).

Olowookere, who guided that 2022 squad to third place — Nigeria’s best-ever finish at the competition — expressed confidence that the current team has what it takes to go even further this time around.

“This group has shown great commitment and hunger,” he said. “Our goal is to build on the achievements of 2022 and challenge for the ultimate prize in Morocco.”

Also named in the final roster are goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, and forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group D, where they will face Canada, France, and Samoa. The Flamingos will open their campaign against Canada on Sunday, 19 October, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. (Nigerian time) at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) in Sale.

Three days later, they will tackle France at the same kickoff time on Pitch 1, before wrapping up their group stage fixtures against Samoa on 25 October at 5 p.m. on Pitch 3 of the same venue.

The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 will feature 16 teams competing across multiple cities, as the tournament returns to Africa for the first time in its history.

21 FLAMINGOS FOR 2025 FIFA U17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINALS

Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Rivers Angels); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99); Fatimoh Shuaib (Nasarawa Amazons)

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy); Zainab Raji (Dannaz FC); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC)

Forwards: Kaosarat Olanrewaju (Ayishat Yusuf Academy, Lagos); Mariam Yahaya (FC Robo); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo); Precious Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels)

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