The Nigeria Under-17 Women’s National Team, known as the Flamingos, took a significant step towards the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a resounding 2-0 victory over South Africa, securing a commanding 5-1 aggregate win in their second-round qualifier at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
Having already earned a 3-1 victory in the first leg in Pretoria, Nigeria entered the return fixture with confidence and composure. The match saw Harmony Chidi and Aishat Animashaun rise to the occasion, with both players scoring to seal the Flamingos’ spot in the third and final round of qualification.
It was Chidi who once again stole the spotlight. The young star had already netted a brace in South Africa, and she added to her tally with a brilliant header just before halftime. Shakirat Moshood, who also found the net in the first leg, turned provider this time, sending in a perfectly timed cross that Chidi met with ease to put Nigeria ahead.
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Despite being down on aggregate, South Africa’s Bantwana showed great resilience, limiting Nigeria’s offensive efforts in the first half. However, the tide turned early in the second half as Animashaun struck a stunning long-range shot into the top corner, doubling Nigeria’s advantage and all but ending any hopes of a South African revival.
The Flamingos continued to press for more, and Moshood came close to adding a third with a powerful shot from distance that rattled the crossbar. Nigeria’s dominance was clear, and they looked every bit like the formidable team that finished third at the last U-17 Women’s World Cup.
With the win secured, the Flamingos now await the result of the ongoing tie between Botswana and Algeria to determine their final hurdle before securing a place in the World Cup. Botswana holds a slight 2-1 advantage from the first leg, with the second leg taking place later tonight.
The Flamingos’ journey to the World Cup is on track, and with their eye on another strong campaign, they are set to face their next challenger in what promises to be a thrilling final round of qualifiers. With determination, grit, and talent, Nigeria’s young football stars are showing that they are ready to take on the world stage once more.
Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
