Flamingos Set to Secure FIFA U17 World Cup Spot Against Liberia

Following a commanding 4-1 victory away in the first leg, Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, are determined to finalize their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualification on a triumphant note as they face Liberia at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Friday evening. Goals from Harmony Chidi, Peace Effiong, Shakirat Moshood, and substitute Blessing Ifitezue secured Nigeria’s impressive first leg win in Monrovia. Now, just 90 minutes stand between the 2022 bronze medallists and another appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, this time in the Dominican Republic.

Harmony Chidi, a standout forward for Nigeria, has been exceptional throughout the qualifying campaign, netting 11 goals in five matches, with more likely to come in Friday’s game. The Flamingos have demonstrated remarkable offensive strength, achieving a 12-0 aggregate win over the Central African Republic in the second round, a 7-1 aggregate against Burkina Faso in the third round, and a 4-1 victory in the first leg against Liberia.

The Flamingos have missed only one edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, in 2018, when Cameroon’s Baby Lionesses narrowly edged them out on away goals. Saturday’s match, set to begin at 4 pm, will be officiated by Egyptian referee Shahenda ElMaghrabi, with support from compatriots May Ali Hassan, Gamalat Ahmed Shebl, and Noura Samir El-Sayed.

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be held in Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from 16th October to 3rd November.

Editorial

We are thrilled to witness the Flamingos on the brink of securing another appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. Their journey through the qualifiers has been nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating their exceptional talent and determination.

The team’s offensive prowess, led by the incredible Harmony Chidi, is a testament to their hard work and strategic preparation. Chidi’s scoring feats have been a highlight, showcasing the potential within Nigeria’s youth football program. The Flamingos’ ability to dominate their opponents with significant margins in both home and away matches underlines their competitive edge and tactical superiority.

As we look forward to their match against Liberia, we are confident in their ability to seal their qualification with another strong performance. The resilience and skill they have shown throughout the qualifiers provide a solid foundation for their campaign in the World Cup.

The Flamingos’ success is not only a victory for the team but also for Nigerian football as a whole. It reflects the dedication of coaches, support staff, and the players’ families who have all played a part in nurturing these young talents. As they prepare to step onto the global stage, we stand behind them, proud of their achievements and hopeful for their future.

This opportunity to compete in the Dominican Republic will further develop their skills, expose them to international competition, and inspire future generations of Nigerian footballers. We are excited to see the Flamingos soar to new heights and make their mark on the world stage.

Did You Know?

• The Flamingos have a history of strong performances in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, having won bronze in 2022.
• Harmony Chidi has been a standout player, scoring 11 goals in just five qualifying matches.
• The Nigerian U17 women’s team has missed only one edition of the World Cup since its inception.
• The 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be held in Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
• The Flamingos achieved an aggregate score of 23-2 in their qualifying campaign leading up to the final round against Liberia.