FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Bankole names final Flamingos squad, eyes historic finish
Nigeria’s Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has unveiled a formidable 21-player squad for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8.
Among the selected talents are attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo, and forward Queen Joseph, all expected to play pivotal roles in Nigeria’s quest for glory.
The Flamingos touched down in Casablanca on Wednesday to begin the final phase of their preparations.
The team is determined to build on their impressive third place finish at the 2022 edition in India, with Coach Bankole expressing confidence that the Class of 2025 is capable of surpassing that achievement.
Also making the final cut are goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, and forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya, all of whom bring depth and experience to the squad.
Nigeria has been drawn into Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. The Flamingos will begin their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, followed by a clash with France on October 22.
Both matches will kick off at 8 p.m. Nigerian time and take place at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Sale. Their final group stage fixture will be against Samoa on October 25 at 5 p.m., also in Sale.
The full squad includes goalkeepers Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels), Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers), and Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens).
Defenders named are Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Jumai Adebayo (Rivers Angels), Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo), Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers), Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99), and Fatimoh Shuaib (Nasarawa Amazons).
Midfield options feature Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Muinat Rotimi and Waliat Rotimi (both from Nakamura Football Academy), Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy), Zainab Raji (Dannaz FC), and Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC).
Leading the attack are Kaosarat Olanrewaju (Ayishat Yusuf Academy, Lagos), Mariam Yahaya (FC Robo), Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy), Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo), Precious Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers), and Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels).
