Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has announced his 21-woman roster for Nigeria’s Flamingos, set to compete in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Leading the squad is team captain Taiwo Afolabi, alongside star forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.

Chidi was instrumental in Nigeria’s qualification campaign, netting an impressive 13 goals out of the team’s record 25. The Flamingos powered past Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, and Liberia in the African qualifiers, continuing their legacy as bronze medallists from the previous tournament held in India.

Afolabi will command the midfield, supported by Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood, and Ayomide Rotimi. First-choice goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma will face stiff competition from Sylvia Echefu and Elizabeth Boniface, who will push her to maintain top form.

Taiwo Adegoke leads the defense, with six other defenders ready to bolster the squad’s backline. The attack will be spearheaded by Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong, alongside six additional forwards.

Nigeria is placed in Group A, where they will face host nation Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand in the 16-nation tournament.

The Flamingos are scheduled to leave Nigeria on Tuesday, October 1st, aboard a Turkish Airlines flight for a two-week training camp in Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital, as part of their final preparations for the World Cup.

Nigeria’s 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Squad:

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)
Group A - FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, Dominican Republic 2024:

Dominican Republic
Ecuador
New Zealand
Nigeria
Other groups include:

Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia
Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England
Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia