Star Girl Moshood headlines Nigeria’s 30-Woman Flamingos squad for U17 World Cup in Morocco

Flamingos Name 30-player provisional squad as Nigeria gears up for U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco

Nigeria’s U17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, will reconvene in Abuja on Sunday as preparations intensify for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Morocco.

Head coach Bankole Olowookere has released a provisional 30-player list as he begins moulding a squad capable of competing for the ultimate prize. The squad includes four goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders, and nine forwards, offering balance across all departments.

Among the standout names is Bayelsa Queens’ teenage sensation, Shakirat Moshood, who has established herself as one of the brightest prospects in Nigerian football. The 16-year-old midfielder was instrumental in Bayelsa Queens’ run in the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire, where she scored three goals and contributed four assists to help her team reach the final against ASEC Mimosas.

Moshood will be joined in camp by her Bayelsa Queens teammates, goalkeeper Sylva Echefu and forward Kindness Ifeanyi, both of whom have also earned spots on the squad.

Nigeria secured their place in Morocco after convincing victories over South Africa and Algeria earlier this year. The Flamingos, bronze medallists at the 2022 edition, will be seeking to surpass their previous best finish and make a strong title push.

The 2025 tournament marks the first expanded 24-team edition of the U17 Women’s World Cup and is the first of five consecutive editions to be hosted by Morocco. Matches will take place across four venues in Rabat and Casablanca, including the Prince Héritier Moulay el-Hassan Sports Complex, Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Al Barid Stadium, and Mohamed VI Football Academy. The finals will run from 17 October to 8 November.

Provisional Flamingos Squad for U17 Women’s World Cup

Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels), Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers), Abigail Nmecha (Team Abia), Sylva Echefu (Bayelsa Queens).

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels), Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo), Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers), Ufuoma Lucky (Royal Queens, Warri), Choice Ovwighovwiroro (New Generation, Abuja), Maryjane Ikeche (Ahudiyannem Queens), Blessed Isigbo (Remo Stars Ladies), Grace Ufot (Fortress Ladies).

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Fatimah Shuaib (Confluence Queens), Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Taiwo Lukman (Confluence Queens), Esther Lasisi (N-Youth Abuja), Precious Nkwocha (Imo Strikers), Gift Anekan (New Generation Abuja), Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC).

Forwards: Kaosara Olanrewaju (Aisha Yusuf Academy Lagos), Kindness Ifeanyi (Bayelsa Queens), Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy), Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy), Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos Edo), Destiny Itodore (Delta Queens), Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels), Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99).