World Cup-Bound Flamingos Open Camp In Abuja

World Cup-Bound Flamingos Open Camp In Abuja

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have kicked off their training camp in Abuja as preparations intensify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, scheduled for October 17 to November 8, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Head coach Bankole Olowookere has invited 30 players to camp, comprising four goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders, and eight forwards.

The players were directed to report to camp on Sunday. Among the goalkeepers called up are Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels), Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers), Abigail Nmecha (Team Abia), and Sylva Echefu (Bayelsa Queens).

The defenders’ list includes Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels), Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo), Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers), Ufuoma Lucky (Royal Queens, Warri), Choice Ovwighovwiroro (New Generation, Abuja), Maryjane Ikeche (Ahudiyannem Queens), Blessed Isigbo (Remo Stars Ladies), and Grace Ufot (Fortress Ladies).

The midfield is anchored by Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Fatimah Shuaib (Confluence Queens), Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Taiwo Lukman (Confluence Queens), Esther Lasisi (N-Youth, Abuja), Precious Nkwocha (Imo Strikers), Gift Anekan (New Generation, Abuja), and Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC).

Up front, the attack features 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), and Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99). 

The Flamingos, who won bronze at the 2022 edition, booked their spot at this year’s expanded 24-team tournament after overcoming Algeria and South Africa in the qualifiers.

This year’s competition will also usher in Morocco’s hosting rights for the next five editions, with matches set tobe heldd across four venues in Rabat and Salé: the Prince Héritier Moulay el-Hassan Sports Complex, Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Al Barid Stadium, and the Mohamed VI Football Academy.