Morocco 2025: Nigeria's youngest girls fly out — 19 Flamingos target South African takedown

Nigeria's U17 girls, the Flamingos, will depart on Wednesday to face off against South Africa's U17 girls, known as Bantwana, in the first leg of their FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifying fixture.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, March 8th, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital. Kickoff is at 3 pm South Africa time (2 pm Nigeria time).

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Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has selected a squad of 19 players for the encounter, including goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Chisom Nwachukwu.

Nigeria, the 2022 FIFA World Cup bronze medalists, received a bye to the second round, whereas Bantwana convincingly defeated their counterparts from Gabon 21-2 on aggregate.

The return leg will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday, March 15th. The team that wins on aggregate will advance to the third round of the qualification campaign.

This year's FIFA U17 Women's World Cup is set to be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 8, with Africa fielding five teams, including host nation Morocco, in the expanded 24-nation championship.

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• Christiana Uzoma

• Onyinyechi Opara

• Hannah Ibrahim

• Jumai Adebayo

• Temilade Fafore

• Shavih Istifanus

• Taiwo Adegoke

• Shakirat Moshood

• Muinat Rotimi

• Azeezat Oduntan

• Philomena Ochanya

• Aishat Animashaun

• Elizabeth Boniface

• Queen Joseph

• Olamide Olanrewaju

• Chisom Nwachukwu

• Harmony Chidi

• Favour Iheagwaram

• Christiana Sunday

The Flamingos' journey to Morocco 2025 begins with this crucial match against Bantwana, as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Kenyan officials to oversee the match, with Josephine Wanjiku as the referee.

Her compatriots Mary Njoroge, Elizabeth Njoroge, and Juma Lucy Awino will serve as assistant referees.

Cindy Barbara Dludlu from Eswatini will be the commissioner, while Moroccan Khadija Rezzag will act as the referee assessor.