Tag: Flamingos

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will not feature in the first round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers after receiving a bye, according to the draw released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The draw for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 African Qualifiers was conducted on Saturday in Rabat, officially signalling the start of the qualifying campaign across the continent.

The exercise was conducted by draw assistant Jacqueline Shipanga, Technical Director of the Namibia Football Federation, CAF Elite Instructor and former coach of the Namibia Women’s National Team.

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A total of 31 African teams will contest the qualifiers, which will be played over three knockout rounds using a home-and-away format. At the conclusion of the third round, four teams will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

First-round matches are scheduled for April 10–12, with return legs on April 17–19, 2026. Fixtures include Niger vs. Guinea, Burkina Faso vs. Benin, Sierra Leone vs. Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia vs. Senegal, Algeria vs. Cameroon, and Togo vs. Ghana.

Nigeria will join the competition in the second round, where the Flamingos will face the winner of the tie between Niger and Guinea. The second-round matches are slated for May 22–24 and May 29–31, 2026.

Should the Flamingos progress beyond the second round, they could face Burkina Faso, Benin, Sierra Leone or Côte d’Ivoire in the third and final qualifying round, scheduled for July 3–5 and July 10–12, 2026, as they bid to return to the global stage.

2022 bronze medallists Nigeria were eliminated from the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Tuesday after a 4-0 defeat by Italy, who took their tournament tally to four wins in as many matches.

The Flamingos entered the game determined to prove that their passage into the Round of 16 was no fluke, and could have been in front after 24 minutes but Captain Shakirat Moshood saw her fierce shot from the left side of the penalty box pushed round the post by goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.

Just before the close of the first half, Anna Copelli put Italy ahead when she danced round the Nigeria rearguard and then picked her spot to slot past goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.

Nigeria thought they had drawn level 10 minutes into the second half when Nguemo Terlumun poked into the net after a battling effort by Queen Joseph, but the Video Support Review ruled that Joseph kicked the ball from Robbioni’hands.

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The Italians increased the tally three minutes later, through an audacious long-range strike by Caterina Venturelli that flew over Echefu and into Nigeria’s net.

It was 3-0 five minutes later, thanks to Giulia Robino, and in the 89th minute, the Video Support Review ruled that Rachelle Giudici was not in the off-side position and had scored a legitimate fourth goal for the Italians.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s interest in the ongoing championship in Morocco, but the Flamingos must immediately commence preparations for the qualifying series for next year’s edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, which is now an annual event.

After a painful 4–1 defeat to Canada in their opening Group D fixture, Nigeria’s U17 girls find themselves fighting for survival against a confident French side that kicked off their campaign with a strong 4–2 win over Samoa.

This fixture is more than just a group match, as there is history and something at stake for the Flamingos. The last time Nigeria met France at this tournament was 13 years ago, in Azerbaijan, where both sides played out a tense 0–0 draw in regulation time before France edged Nigeria 5–3 on penalties to advance from the quarter-finals.

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That memory lingers, and for many, this feels like unfinished business. Nigeria enter tomorrow’s match bottom of the table with zero points and a minus three goal difference, meaning defeat could mathematically end their World Cup journey. At minimum, a draw is essential, but a win would flip the entire narrative heading into the final group match against Samoa.

France play with speed, fluidity and dominant structure. Their 4–2 win over Samoa was ruthless. Nigeria showed flashes of brilliance against Canada, scoring once, but defensive lapses haunted them badly.

Coach Bankole Olowookere’s team must correct their transitions, stay compact, and rediscover their mental steel, as this is no longer about tactics alone, but also about character.

At the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1), 8pm in Rabat tonight, the Flamingos won’t just be playing France, they’ll be playing for belief, redemption and survival.

From the sands of Trinidad to the lights of India, Nigeria’s Flamingos have chased the  FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup crown with relentless passion. Now, in Morocco, a new generation of dreamers is ready to finish what their predecessors began. With belief, discipline and the weight of national pride behind them, the Coach Bankole Olowookere-led side has vowed to soar higher than ever before, writes TUNDE LIADI

For over a decade, Nigeria’s Flamingos have carried the hopes of millions — the dream of becoming world champions. Since their debut in 2008 in New Zealand, the story has been one of courage, heartbreak and resilience. The team has graced every FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup except one, making them one of Africa’s most consistent performers on the global stage. Yet, despite seven appearances, the ultimate prize has remained just beyond reach.

The early years were filled with promise but ended in pain. After a forgettable maiden outing in New Zealand, the 2010 edition in Trinidad and Tobago offered a glimpse of what could be — a thrilling 6–5 quarterfinal loss to South Korea that showcased Nigeria’s attacking flair and fighting spirit. Two years later in Azerbaijan, France halted their run again on penalties after a goalless draw.

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Their story of near misses continued in Costa Rica (2014) and the Dominican Republic (2024), where Spain and the United States respectively stopped the Flamingos at the quarterfinal stage. But it was in India in 2022 that the long wait for a breakthrough finally ended. Under the steady guidance of Coach Bankole Olowookere, the team defeated the mighty USA on penalties to reach their first-ever semi-final — only the second African team after Ghana to achieve that feat. They went on to beat Germany to clinch a historic bronze medal, joining Ghana as the only African nations to stand on the podium.

Now, as the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup kicks off in Morocco today, Olowookere’s new generation is back — hungrier, wiser, and bolder. Drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, the Nigerian girls are determined to make their nation proud once again.

Their preparation has been nothing short of intense. The Flamingos arrived in Casablanca more than a week ahead of the tournament, fine-tuning their chemistry with high-tempo friendlies. They fell narrowly to New Zealand 4–3 before finishing strongly with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Paraguay. In 12 warm-up games, they scored 50 goals while conceding just six — a testament to their attacking depth and defensive discipline.

“We are going to achieve more than those before us,” declared striker Olamide Olanrewaju, brimming with confidence. “We are eager to get to the final and make Nigerians proud in Morocco.”

Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, whose quick distribution sparked the opener in the win against Paraguay, echoed the same optimism: “We have worked and trained very hard for this competition. By God’s grace, we can go very far. My dream is to be the best goalkeeper in Morocco.”

For defender Azeezat Oduntan, the journey carries personal meaning : “I came from a neighbourhood where football is everything. Representing Nigeria means a lot to me. We are resilient, united, and we believe this is our time. We are bringing the trophy home.”

Olowookere, who masterminded the 2022 bronze-winning squad, believes that the team’s focus and mental toughness will be key. “We respect every opponent, but we fear none. The girls understand what’s at stake — it’s not just football; it’s about rewriting history.”

Their spirit was on full display in the Paraguay match — a rollercoaster of emotions and precision. Mariam Yahaya’s first-half hat-trick sealed the victory and underlined Nigeria’s attacking dynamism. The Flamingos pressed high, defended as a unit, and showed tactical maturity far beyond their age.

As they now move from Casablanca to Rabat — their home for the group stage — expectations are soaring. The lessons of past heartbreaks have hardened them, the bronze medal has emboldened them, and the nation’s hopes are firmly on their shoulders.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, rounded off their pre-World Cup preparations in style with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Paraguay in Casablanca on Tuesday evening. It was a match filled with pace, precision, and plenty of lessons as Coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls sealed their 12th warm-up game, extending their scoring tally to an impressive 50 goals while conceding just six.

The Flamingos wasted no time announcing their intent, taking the lead inside the opening two minutes. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface launched a pinpoint long ball that found captain Shakirat Moshood, who cleverly laid it off for Mariam Yahaya. The forward made no mistake, chipping the onrushing Paraguayan goalkeeper to give Nigeria an early advantage.

Eight minutes later, Shakirat had a chance to double the lead, but her effort flew just over the bar. Paraguay found a lifeline in the 15th minute after a defensive error from Christiana Sunday gifted them an equaliser against the run of play. The South Americans grew in confidence, forcing Boniface into two fine saves as the Flamingos briefly lost their rhythm.

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However, the Nigerians quickly regained control, and just before halftime, they were back in front. A defensive mix-up at the back allowed Yahaya to pounce for her brace in the 44th minute before completing a sensational first-half hat-trick a minute later, thanks to a delightful pass from Kaosarat Olanrewaju.

The second half saw the Flamingos maintain their attacking momentum, with Ayomide Abubakar and Shakirat Moshood both coming close to adding to the tally. Substitute goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu made a crucial save in the 69th minute to preserve Nigeria’s two-goal cushion as Paraguay searched for a route back into the game. In the final moments, another defensive lapse allowed Paraguay to pull one back, but it was too late to deny Nigeria a deserved 3–2 win.

With their Morocco training camp now concluded, the Flamingos will head to Rabat on Wednesday morning to settle into their FIFA accommodation ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on October 17. Drawn in Group D, Nigeria will open their campaign against Canada on Sunday 19th October, then face France three days later, before wrapping up the group stage against Samoa on October 25.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, intensified their preparations in Morocco ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on October 17.

According to the team’s Media Officer, Erenayo Doki, the girls had an intense training session on Thursday, focusing on corner kicks, free kicks, positioning, and finishing drills as part of their tactical refinement before the global showpiece.

The Flamingos are set to test their readiness in an international friendly against New Zealand scheduled for today at the Lanuria Mohammedia Stadium, with kick-off at 8 p.m. local time, same as in Nigeria. The encounter will be followed by a second warm-up match against Paraguay four days later — their final test before the team moves to Rabat, venue of their group-stage matches.

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Doki noted that the camp atmosphere remains vibrant and positive, with high energy, sharp focus, and smiles all around as the players work hard to perfect set-piece routines and team cohesion.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group D of the World Cup alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, a tough pool that promises thrilling contests as the Flamingos aim to surpass their previous performances on the world stage.

The friendly duels in Morocco will provide the coaching crew with an opportunity to assess combinations and tactical adjustments before the curtain rises on the tournament.

Nigeria’s Flamingos have arrived safely in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The team, comprising players and officials, departed Abuja at 7:18 a.m. on Wednesday and landed in Casablanca at 11:28 a.m. after a smooth four-hour, 20-minute flight. They are now lodged at the Ibis Hotel, Casablanca, and are scheduled to hold a light training session later this evening.

Head coach Bankole Olowookere’s side head into the tournament brimming with confidence after an impressive run in their build-up matches—winning all 10 friendlies, scoring 44 goals, and conceding none.

The Flamingos will play New Zealand in a friendly on Friday before facing Paraguay next Tuesday in another preparatory match.

At the World Cup, Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside France, Canada, and Samoa.

Nigeria’s Flamingos will slug it out with New Zealand and Paraguay in test games on October 10^th  and 14^th  barely two days after landing in Casablanca ahead of the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup I Morocco.

The Flamingos expectedly departed Abuja in the early hours of today aboard Royal Air Maroc, as they begin the final phase of their preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The team is scheduled to arrive in Morocco’s industrial and economic capital, Casablanca where they will settle into camp before heading to Rabat for the tournament proper.

The team will then move into the official FIFA hotel in Rabat on October 15, where all participating teams will be housed for the competition.

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The Flamingos have been drawn in Group D, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before facing France three days later — both matches scheduled for 8 pm Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) and Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in the city of Sale.

Their final group stage encounter will be against Samoa on October 25, with kickoff set for 5 pm. at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) still in Sale.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side head into the tournament full of confidence, having played 10 tune-up matches, scoring an impressive 44 goals without conceding any. Their dominant form in camp so far, coupled with a well-balanced squad, underscores their determination to go one step further than their quarter-final finish at the last edition in the Dominican Republic.

Nigeria’s Under 17 Girls, the Flamingos have rounded off their preparation for FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup with a 14-0 victory over Lestar FA yesterday at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja.

Queen Joseph scored four goals while Shakirat Moshood and Praise Agba weighed in three goals each while Tabitha Terlumu notched two goals as the Flamingos went goals crazy.

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The team will leave for Morocco on Wednesday to conclude their build up to the World Cup where they will slug it out with Canada, France and Samoa in Group D.

Nigeria is still seeking the first final appearance in the cadet competition and the current crop of the Golden Eaglets under the tutelage of Bankole Olowookere has played nine friendly games winning all.

Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, continued their preparation for the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco with back-to-back victories in friendly matches at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja.

On Friday,  12^th  September, the Flamingos overpowered Horvel Angels 2–0, with Chisom Nwachukwu pouncing on a goalkeeper error for the opener before Kaosara Olanrewaju sealed the win in the second half with a composed strike.

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They followed it up on Saturday, 13^th, with a resounding 5–0 triumph over Nazareth Angels. After a dominant first half, the Falconets raced to a 2-0 lead. Itodore Destiny added a third shortly after the restart before Terlumu Tabitha and Chisom Nwachukwu completed the rout with fine finishes as the Flamingos showcased their attacking depth despite several missed chances.

The victories underline the team’s growing sharpness in front of goal and defensive discipline as they gear up for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup holding 17th October – 8th November in Morocco, where Nigeria will face Canada, France, and Samoa in Group D. All players called up are currently in camp, giving head coach Bankole Olowookere a full complement of options as the technical crew look to fine-tune their squad for the tournament.