Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, took a major step toward securing a spot at the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over South Africa’s Bantwana in Pretoria on Saturday. The impressive away performance at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium puts them in a strong position ahead of the return leg.
The Flamingos set the tone early, with star forward Shakirat Moshood breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute. Moshood, who made headlines with four goals at the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, showcased her clinical finishing to give Nigeria the lead.
Ten minutes before halftime, prolific striker Harmony Chidi doubled the advantage from the penalty spot, showing composure to convert from six yards. Chidi, who netted an incredible 13 goals during last year’s qualifiers, proved once again why she is a key player for the team.
South Africa responded quickly after the break, pulling a goal back in the 47th minute through Malebana’s well-taken penalty. However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Chidi struck again in the 68th minute, restoring Nigeria’s two-goal cushion and sealing a crucial away win.
With a comfortable lead, the Flamingos will now turn their attention to the return leg at the Remo Stars’ Stadium in Ikenne-Remo next Saturday. The aggregate winner will move on to the final qualification round, where a place at the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco is up for grabs.
Nigeria, who won bronze at the 2022 edition, are eager to make their second consecutive appearance on the world stage. With Coach Bankole Olowookere’s squad full of confidence and playing on home soil, they will be looking to finish the job and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
The final qualification round will see four teams join hosts Morocco as Africa’s representatives at the tournament, which is set to take place from October 17 to November 5.
