Head coach Bankole Olowookere has expressed confidence in his squad as Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, touched down in Casablanca ahead of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The 21-player team will represent Nigeria at the global showpiece, with Olowookere aiming to improve on the bronze medal finish achieved by his 2022 side in India.
“This group has shown great attitude and unity,” he said. “They understand what it means to represent Nigeria, and I believe they can achieve something special in Morocco.”
Flamingos Head Coach Bankole Olowokere. Photo Credit: X
The coach’s final list includes attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo, and forward Queen Joseph, alongside several other standout players from the qualifying campaign.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group D with Canada, France, and Samoa. The Flamingos will begin their campaign against Canada on Sunday, 19 October, before facing France three days later both matches scheduled for 8 p.m.
READ MORE:everybody-can-go-to-the-world-cup-chelle-reveals-what-super-eagles-must-do-to-defeat-lesotho
Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI complex in Sale. Their last group fixture comes against Samoa on Saturday, 25 October, kicking off at 5 p.m.
Flamingos in Casablanca. Photo Credit: NFF/X
The team will round off their final phase of training in Casablanca before moving to Sale for the tournament opener.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Nigeria are targeting another strong outing on the world stage, with hopes high that this new generation can go beyond their previous third-place finish and challenge for the title.
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)
