Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have secured a spot in the final round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory over South Africa.
Having already won the first leg 3-1 in South Africa, the Flamingos sealed the deal on home soil with a commanding 2-0 win.
Star forward Harmony Chidi opened the scoring in the 37th minute, expertly heading in a well-placed cross from Shakirat Moshood, who had also scored in the first leg. Moshood turned provider again in the 56th minute, setting up Aishat Animashaun, who lobbed the ball over South African goalkeeper Samekelise Mthembu for Nigeria’s second goal.
Despite a spirited effort from Zoe October, Thoriso Mphelo, Khmezi Khoza, and captain Katleho Malebana, the Bantwana struggled to break through Nigeria’s rock-solid defense, led by Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Philomena Isaiah, and Favour Iheagwam.
With this victory, the Flamingos now march into the final round of qualifiers, where they will face the winner of Botswana vs. Algeria next month for a place in Morocco 2025.
