Nigeria’s U17
girls, Flamingos, will on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute,
Ikenne-Remo, kickstart their preparations for their two-leg FIFA U17 Women’s
World Cup qualifying clash with the U17 girls of South Africa, known as
Bantwana.
The 2022 World Cup
bronze medallists were drawn bye to the second round of the African qualifiers,
while Bantwana fired from all cylinders to steamroll their counterparts from
Gabon 21-2 on aggregate, winning 12-1 in Gabon and 9-1 in South Africa.
“It is important
that the Flamingos start their camping early for this second-round fixture, not
just because South Africa won their first-round matches 21-2 on aggregate, but
because that is the right thing to do. We are aware that matches between Nigeria
and South Africa are always full of heat, huge emotion on the part of players,
officials and the fans, and determination to conquer on the part of the
players.
“The Flamingos
remain the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world, and they will
be adequately-prepared for the challenges ahead,” NFF General Secretary, Dr.
Mohammed Sanusi, said.
On his part, Head
Coach of the Bantwana, Ntombifuthi Khumalo has sounded a warning to the South
Africa Football Association that his team needs longer preparation-period and
reinforcements to be able to withstand the challenge of Nigeria in the games
scheduled for the period 7-16 March.
“Yes, tactically
they (Nigeria) are good, like us, but if you can measure when we play
pound-for-pound, our players are not ready for that – but we need to reinforce
on that. If we can get support to get (reinforcements) because, as a country, I
still believe we have more quality players who deserve to be part of the team.
“Also, we need
more preparation for the next leg, with a longer camp and friendly games, that
will help us to ensure we are ready for the next round.”
This year’s FIFA
U17 Women’s World Cup (the competition becomes an annual event from this year)
will be hosted by Morocco, 17 October – 8 November, with Africa to present 5
teams (including host nation Morocco) at the finals, which has also been
expanded to a 24-nation championship.
Coach Bankole
Olowookere, who led the team to third-place finish in India in 2022 and to the
quarter-finals last year, has called up a total of 30 players to begin the
camping on Sunday.
The list includes
goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo,
midfielders Shakirat Moshood (four-goal heroine at last year’s World Cup finals
in the Dominican Republic) and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and
Peace Effiong.
FLAMINGOS FOR
CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO FOR SOUTH AFRICA:
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo
Strikers); Maureen Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies); Stella Emperor (Adamawa Queens)
Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo
(Naija Ratels); Jennifer Ozoani (Greenfoot FC); Marylyn Edem (Nasarawa
Amazons); Amblessed Ogbonnaya (Bayelsa Queens); Ifeoma Ogoegbe (Greenfoot FC);
Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens); Shavih Istifanus (Jos)
Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi
(Nakamura Academy); Charles Nwabueze (Abia Angels); Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa
Amazons); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens);
Fatima Solaty (Dannaz Ladies); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shakirat Bashiru
(New Generation SC)
Forwards: Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels); Harmony Chidi (Imo
Strikers); Seun Fakunle (Ekiti Queens); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Favour
Iheagwaram (Abia Angels); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Grace Saliu (Naija
Ratels); Afensimi Omon (Adamawa Queens); Anuoluwapo Awotidoye (Naija Ratels)
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