Olowookere Names Afolabi, Chidi, Effiong And 18 Others For U-17 Women’s World Cup In Dominican Republic.
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, have officially announced their squad for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, taking place in the Dominican Republic. Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has named a 21-woman squad, including Captain Taiwo Afolabi, forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong, who will lead the team’s campaign in the prestigious tournament.
Harmony Chidi, who scored an impressive 13 goals during the qualifying stages, will spearhead the Flamingos’ attack. Her clinical finishing was key to Nigeria’s dominant qualification campaign, which saw them brush aside the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, and Liberia, scoring a record 25 goals along the way.
Captain Taiwo Afolabi, a talented midfielder from Delta Queens, will lead the team’s efforts in the centre of the park, supported by Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood, and Ayomide Rotimi. In goal, first-choice keeper Christiana Uzoma will be backed up by Sylvia Echefu and Elizabeth Boniface, ensuring stiff competition between the sticks.
In defence, Taiwo Adegoke will lead six other defenders, while Chidi is joined by forwards Peace Effiong and Blessing Ifitezue in attack, rounding out a strong squad aiming to make an impact at the tournament.
Nigeria’s Flamingos are in Group A of the 16-nation tournament, where they will face host nation Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand. The team will depart Nigeria on 1st October for a two-week training camp in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, as they prepare for the start of the competition.
Full Flamingos Squad For FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens), Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens), Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)
Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers), Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels), Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies), Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy), Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens), Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)
Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens), Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons), Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)
Forwards: Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports), Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers), Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot), Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers), Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels), Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels), Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens)
Nigeria is aiming to build on their bronze medal finish from the last edition of the tournament in India, with hopes high for another strong performance on the global stage.
