Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has called up 35 players to the camp of Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, as the team begins the first phase of their final preparations for the 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in the Dominican Republic later this year.
The Nigerian team showcased remarkable prowess in the qualifiers, scoring an impressive 25 goals over six matches.
They dominated the Central African Republic with six goals in each leg, defeated Burkina Faso 7-1 on aggregate in the third round, and overcame Liberia 6-1 on aggregate in the final round.
Leading the squad is prolific forward Harmony Chidi, who broke records with 13 goals during the qualifiers.
She is joined by her striking partner Peace Effiong, team captain Taiwo Afolabi, goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, and defender Prisca Nwachukwu, all of whom are key players.
The 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be held in Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from October 16th to November 3rd.
ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens); Mary Igieneh (Osun Babes); Juliana Simon (Youthsfon Kaduna)
Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation FA); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels); Timilehin Faluyi (Asisat Oshoala Academy); Elizabeth Adesuyi (Castmog Ladies)
Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Mary Aderemi (Bayelsa Queens); Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Farikike Moses (Dannaz Queens); Amarachukwu Onuorah (Edo Queens); Justina Owolabi (Ondo State Academy); Adanna Nwachukwu (Naija Ratels)
Forwards: Yetunde Ayantosho (Heartland Queens); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramota Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Aishat Bolarinwa (Ghetto Tigers); Azeezat Oluwole (Right Vision Academy)
Meanwhile, vibrant traditional dancers, flag-waving supporters, and members of the Local Organizing Committee of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 were among the enthusiastic crowd that greeted Nigeria’s two-time silver medallists as they arrived in the Colombian capital, Bogota, on Sunday evening.
Speaking to local journalists at the airport, Coach Christopher Musa Danjuma emphasized that the Falconets are determined to go all the way this time, having previously reached two finals, a semi-final, and several quarter-finals in the 22-year history of the tournament.
