Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have secured a place in the final round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a dominant 2-0 victory over South Africa’s Bantwana on Saturday.
With this win, the Flamingos completed a 5-1 aggregate triumph, having already secured a commanding 3-1 advantage in the first leg played away. The result propels them into the decisive stage of the qualification series, set for next month.
Building on her stellar performance in the first leg, Harmony Chidi, who netted twice in that encounter, opened the scoring in the 37th minute. She skillfully nodded in a well-placed cross from Shakirat Moshood, who had also been on the scoresheet in the previous match.
Moshood turned provider once again 11 minutes into the second half, delivering a precise assist to Aishat Animashaun, who expertly lobbed the ball over South African goalkeeper Samekelise Mthembu to double Nigeria’s lead.
Despite spirited performances from Zoe October, Thoriso Mphelo, Khmezi Khoza, and team captain Katleho Malebana, the Bantwana struggled to break through the well-organized Nigerian defense led by Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Philomena Isaiah, and Favour Iheagwam.
With this emphatic victory, the Flamingos now turn their focus to the final qualification round, where they will battle either Botswana or Algeria for a spot at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco later this year.
By Enoch Odesola | March 16, 2025
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