Nigeria’s U17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, is one step closer to securing a spot in this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals after a convincing 3-1 victory over South Africa’s Bantwana on Saturday. The win, which took place at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, has placed the Nigerian team in a strong position ahead of next week’s return leg.
The match saw Shakirat Moshood, a key player from the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, put the Flamingos ahead in the 20th minute with a well-executed finish. Moshood, who was a standout at the Dominican Republic World Cup last year with a four-goal performance, showcased her clinical finishing ability once again. The Flamingos then extended their lead through Harmony Chidi, the prolific scorer who netted 13 goals in last year’s qualification series. Chidi converted a penalty with composure after Nigeria was awarded the spot kick.
South Africa fought back early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty of their own. Malebana made no mistake from the spot to pull Bantwana back into the game, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, the Flamingos were not to be outdone. Chidi sealed the win with her second goal of the match in the 68th minute, ensuring a comfortable two-goal advantage heading into the return leg.
The stage is now set for the decisive clash in Ikenne-Remo at the Remo Stars Stadium next Saturday. The outcome of the match will determine which team advances to the final qualification round, where four teams will secure their places to join hosts Morocco in the prestigious FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup scheduled for October 17th–November 5th, 2025.
With the victory, Nigeria’s Flamingos have one foot in the final round, but the Bantwana will be determined to fight back on home soil. The countdown to next Saturday’s clash begins as both teams battle for a coveted spot in global football h
