Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national players, the Flamingos, have advanced to the final qualifying round for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Nigerian girls secured a commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa’s Bantwana in Ikenne Ogun State on Saturday.
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The win sealed a 5-1 aggregate triumph for the Nigerian side, following their 3-1 away victory in Pretoria last weekend.
Goals scorers
The Flamingos controlled the early stages of the match but had to wait until the 37th minute to break the deadlock.
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Forward Harmony Chidi, a standout performer in the qualifiers, found the net with a precise strike from inside the box—her third goal of the campaign.
Nigeria extended their lead in the 56th minute when Aishat Animashaun capitalised on a defensive lapse to make it 2-0, effectively ending any hopes of a South African comeback.
With the victory, Coach Bankole Olowookere’s team moves one step closer to securing a spot at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Morocco later this year.
No room for complacency
Going into Saturday’s second-leg tie, coach Olowookere had assured fans that his team would not allow any surprises, despite their comfortable first-leg advantage.
The Flamingos delivered on that promise, maintaining defensive discipline while applying consistent attacking pressure.
ALSO READ: Nigeria’s Flamingos beat South Africa in World Cup Qualifier
The team had previously earned a solid 3-1 away win in Pretoria, with goals from Shakirat Moshood and a brace from Chidi, putting them in control before the return fixture.
Next challenge: Botswana or Algeria
Nigeria will now face the winner of the Botswana vs. Algeria clash in the final round of qualifiers. Botswana claimed a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg of that encounter, setting up a decisive second-leg showdown.
The overall winner of the final qualification round will secure one of Africa’s coveted spots at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
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