FLAMINGOS PUSH FOR GOLD: Olowookere’s Squad Arrives in Morocco, Vows to Surpass 2022 Bronze

Casablanca, Morocco Nigeria’s quest for the U-17 women’s world title is officially underway as Head coach Bankole Olowookere has named his final 21-player squad, with the Flamingos now settling into Morocco in preparations ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The delegation, which includes highly-rated attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defensive wall Jumai Adebayo, and sharp forward Queen Joseph, arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday and Their mission is clear: to surpass the nation’s best-ever finish the bronze medal Olowookere guided the team to at the 2022 edition in India.

Olowookere didn't hide his high expectations for the team. "The Class of 2025 have what it takes to go steps higher than our 2022 bronze winners," he stated confidently, challenging his players to set a new Nigerian benchmark.

The World Cup tournament will run from October 17th to November 8th, with matches scheduled to take place primarily in the Rabat/Sale vicinity.

Group Stage Schedule

The Flamingos have been placed in a competitive Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa.

Their opening encounter is set for Sunday, October 19, against Canada at 8 p.m. Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) in Sale. The second match sees Nigeria take on European titans France three days later, also at 8 p.m., but at Pitch 1. Their final group stage game is against Samoa on October 25, kicking off at 5 p.m. at Pitch 3.

Official 21-Player Roster

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).