Flamingos Depart for Côte d’Ivoire Ahead of Guinea World Cup Qualifier

Flamingos Depart for Côte d’Ivoire Ahead of Guinea World Cup Qualifier

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will depart for Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday, May 20, ahead of their second-round qualifier for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup against Guinea women's U-17 football team, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The team, led by head coach Akeem Busari, is expected to continue final preparations before the crucial first-leg encounter scheduled for May 23 as Nigeria intensifies its quest to qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco later this year.

The Flamingos have already arrived in Ikenne, where they will conclude their training programme at the Remo Stars Stadium.

According to team officials, the squad departed Abuja at 5:21 p.m., arrived in Lagos at 6:11 p.m., and reached Ikenne at 8:21 p.m.

Coach Busari and his technical crew have been fine-tuning the squad following a series of impressive performances in friendly matches during the team’s training camp.

The coach had invited 36 players to camp in Abuja on April 10, with the team producing dominant displays in several preparatory fixtures.

The Flamingos defeated SoloWonders Babes 7-0, overcame YAFA 5-0, thrashed Nazareth 6-0 and secured another emphatic 7-0 victory against Generation Next. Their only setback during the build-up was a 1-1 draw against Real Rising.

The team also recorded a comfortable 5-0 victory over Lakesides at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, further boosting confidence ahead of the qualifier.

Nigeria’s Flamingos remain one of Africa’s strongest youth women’s teams, having reached the semi-finals of previous FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup tournaments and consistently producing talented players for the country’s women’s football structure.

The upcoming two-legged qualifier against Guinea will determine which side advances further in the race for a place at the global tournament in Morocco.