Nigeria U17 women’s coach, Bankole Olowookere, has called up 30 players to camp as the Flamingos begin preparations for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, www.aclsports.com reports.
The squad includes four goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders and eight forwards. Players are expected to report to Abuja on Sunday, 7 September.
The Flamingos qualified for the tournament after defeating South Africa and Algeria in the African qualifiers. Nigeria won bronze at the last edition held in India in 2022.
This year’s finals, the first to feature 24 teams, will run from 17 October to 8 November in Rabat and Salé. Matches will be played at Prince Héritier Moulay El-Hassan Complex, Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Al Barid Stadium and the Mohamed VI Academy.
It will be the first time the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup is staged in Africa, with Morocco also set to host the next four editions of the tournament.
Squad List
Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels), Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers), Abigail Nmecha (Team Abia), Sylva Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)
Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels), Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo), Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers), Ufuoma Lucky (Royal Queens), Choice Ovwighovwiroro (New Generation Abuja), Maryjane Ikeche (Ahudiyannem Queens), Blessed Isigbo (Remo Stars Ladies), Grace Ufot (Fortress Ladies)
Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura FA), Fatimah Shuaib (Confluence Queens), Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura FA), Taiwo Lukman (Confluence Queens), Esther Lasisi (N-Youth Abuja), Precious Nkwocha (Imo Strikers), Gift Anekan (New Generation Abuja), Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC)
Forwards: Kaosara Olanrewaju (Aisha Yusuf Academy Lagos), Kindness Ifeanyi (Bayelsa Queens), Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy), Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy), Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos Edo), Destiny Itodore (Delta Queens), Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels), Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99)
The camp is expected to help the Flamingos fine-tune their strategies as they aim for another podium finish at the global tournament.
