Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere, who led the Nigerian team to a third-place finish at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India in 2022 and to the quarter-finals last year, has invited 30 players to begin camping on Sunday.
They will be in camp at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, to prepare for their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie against South Africa’s Bantwana.
The list of invitees includes goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood (four-goal heroine at last year’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic) and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.
The Flamingos were drawn bye to the second round of the African qualifiers, while the Bantwana thrashed 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,” the Nigeria Football Federation General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said.
“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.”
This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup (the competition becomes an annual event from this year) will be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 8, with Africa to present five teams (including host nation Morocco) at the tournament, which has also been expanded to a 24-nation championship.
FLAMINGOS INVITEES
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)
