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Tag: Flamingos

  • Flamingos play goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for World Cup

    Flamingos play goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for World Cup

    Nigeria’s Under-17 female football team, Flamingos, on Friday played a goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

    The 2022 bronze medalist, who were determined to win their last match of the qualifying series, absorbed the pressure of the Algerian girls in the return leg played at Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida.

    NAN reports that the Flamingos battled for supremacy to be one of the countries to represent the continent in the World Cup in October

    In spite of the wintry conditions in Blida on the outskirts of the Algerian capital, Algiers, the Nigerian girls dug their feet into the ground and achieved a scoreless draw that qualified them for this year’s Women’s World Cup finals.

    Holding on to a 4-0 first-leg advantage, the 2002 bronze medalists adopted a calm and collected pattern that easily soaked up the pressure from the hosts.

    They then relied on fast breaks to try and pull the trigger on their opponents

    Although they created better chances, the Flamingos failed to take advantage of their dominance in possession.

    They, however, collected the ticket to Morocco on a 4-0 aggregate win.

    The difference over two legs of the final round was a remarkable display in the opening leg by the Flamingos.

    The Flamingos will now be one of Africa’s five representatives (including hosts Morocco) at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals taking place from Oct.17 to Nov 5.

    The final competition will feature 24 teams for the very first time.

    Since the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008, Nigeria failed to make the finals only once.

    This was at the 2018 tournament hosted by Uruguay.

  • USA end Flamingos title hopes at U-17 Women’s World Cup

    USA end Flamingos title hopes at U-17 Women’s World Cup

    The United States of America ended Nigeria’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title hopes with a 2-0 victory in their quarter-final clash at the CFC Stadium, Santiago de los Caballeros, on Saturday.

    Goals from Katharine Fuller and Kimball Ascanio were enough to send the Flamingos packing, as the Americans avenged their 2022 quarter-final loss to Nigeria.

    Fuller put the Americans ahead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute before Ascanio doubled the lead in the 74th minute to seal victory for the three-time quarter-finalists.

    The defeat ended Nigeria’s impressive run in the tournament, where they had won all their group matches against New Zealand, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, scoring nine goals and conceding just one.

    Coach Bankole Olowookere made two first-half substitutions, bringing on Blessing Ifitezue and Victory Ekezie for Peace Effiong and Risikat Azeez, respectively, but these changes failed to shift the game’s momentum.

    The Americans continued their dominance in the second half, with coach Natalia Astrain making tactical substitutions that proved effective. Ascanio, who came on as a substitute, made an immediate impact by scoring the crucial second goal.

    The result marked a bitter end to Nigeria’s campaign, as they entered the match with high hopes of replicating their 2022 triumph over the same opponents, where they won via penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

    The Flamingos, who achieved their best-ever finish of third place in India in 2022, aimed to surpass that record but faced a determined American side eager to reach their first semi-final since 2008.

    The defeat also halted Nigeria’s impressive streak in this year’s tournament, where they maintained a perfect record in the group stage for the third time in their history (2010, 2014, 2024).

    The USA will now progress to the semi-finals, marking their first appearance in the last four since 2008, when they finished as runners-up in the tournament’s inaugural edition.

    PUNCH

  • U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria beat hosts Dominican Republic

    U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria beat hosts Dominican Republic

    Shakirat Moshood’s 89th minute goal following a strike from 24 yards out helped Nigeria to a 1-0 defeat of hosts Dominican Republic late Tuesday in Santo Domingo.

    The win in both teams’ final match of Group A at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup ensured that Nigeria will face Group B runners-up U.S in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

    The Flamingos found the going tough under driving rain against the determined hosts and could not make their overwhelming ball possession count for long.

    But with a minute left on the clock Moshood, now with four goals, unleashed a rocket from outside the penalty box for the lone goal.

    Home captain Renata Mercedes and goalkeeper Rondon led a famous resistance against Nigeria, who are now one of the elites of the competition, and the hosts deserved praise for their pushback.

    It was a performance which ensured the Flamingos made nothing out of 16 corner-kicks.

    Nigeria Head Coach Bankole Olowookere made three changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Rokibat Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue and Ramotalahi Kareem, for Onyedikachi Ekezie, Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi.

    He restored Effiong and Chidi after the hour, but it took a special effort from Moshood, also scorer of the tournament’s fastest goal, to break the hosts’ hearts.

    Victory means the Flamingos top their group with nine points from three matches, three points better than second-placed Ecuador.

    The South Americans, with Caprice Chiuchiolo netting a brace, walloped New Zealand 4-0 in the group’s other match to finish with six points.

    They have now set up a clash with Group B winners Spain on Sunday.

  • FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos whitewash Ecuador to advance into quarter-finals

    FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos whitewash Ecuador to advance into quarter-finals

    Nigeria’s Flamingos earned a handsome 4-0 win over Ecuador on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals of the 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic in style.

    The Nigerian side’s performance underlined their third-place finish at the last edition of the finals was no fluke.

    With the 4-1 win over New Zealand in their first match on Wednesday, the Flamingos have now gathered the maximum six points in their first two matches.

    They have scored eight goals and conceded only one, and are in the last eight ahead of their final group phase encounter against host nation Dominican Republic on Tuesday.

    Playmaker Shakirat Moshood, who scored one of the tournament’s fastest goals with her 80-second strike against New Zealand on Wednesday, opened scores for the team.

    She sent goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez the wrong way from the penalty kick spot in the 26th minute, after team captain Taiwo Afolabi was impeded in the box.

    Peace Effiong, who had seen her shot thwarted by Rodriguez’s right leg in the 18th minute, was disconcerted to see her effort again foiled by the big goalkeeper on the half hour.

    Harmony Chidi, scorer of 13 goals in the qualifying series, rocked the crossbar just before the half-time whistle as Nigeria, once more, broke forward.

    In the second half, Chidi finally found her first goal of the tournament, picking her spot cleverly in the 54th minute to score after a pass by Aishat Animashaun.

    Peace Effiong took the cue, to also score her first goal of the competition, latching on to a faulty clearance of a backpass by substitute goalkeeper Pozo.

    Nigeria got its fourth goal in added time, as Moshood picked her spot to lash home after Chidi found her from the right.

    The Flamingos will take on the host nation on Tuesday night in their final group phase game, but a place in the last eight is already assured.

  • Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos back in camp for first phase of final camping

    Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos back in camp for first phase of final camping

    Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has invited 35 players to the camp of Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, as the team commences the first phase of final preparations for the 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals to be staged in the Dominican Republic later this year.

    The Nigerian girls notched an awe-inspiring total of 25 goals in six matches in the qualifying race, routing the Central African Republic by six goals in each leg, dismissing Burkina Faso 7-1 on aggregate in the third round and turning back Liberia 6-1 on aggregate in the final round.

    Extraordinary poacher Harmony Chidi, who set a jaw-dropping record of 13 goals in the qualifying series, tops the list of invitees alongside her strike partner Peace Effiong, with team captain Taiwo Afolabi, goalkeeper Chrstiana Uzoma and defender Prisca Nwachukwu also prominent.

    The 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in the cities of Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, 16th October – 3rd November.

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

    Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens); Mary Igieneh (Osun Babes); Juliana Simon (Youthsfon Kaduna)

    Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation FA); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels); Timilehin Faluyi (Asisat Oshoala Academy); Elizabeth Adesuyi (Castmog Ladies)

    Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Mary Aderemi (Bayelsa Queens); Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Farikike Moses (Dannaz Queens); Amarachukwu Onuorah (Edo Queens); Justina Owolabi (Ondo State Academy); Adanna Nwachukwu (Naija Ratels)

    Forwards: Yetunde Ayantosho (Heartland Queens); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramota Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Aishat Bolarinwa (Ghetto Tigers); Azeezat Oluwole (Right Vision Academy)

    FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024   

    Group A: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nigeria

    Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia

    Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England

    Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia

  • Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos drawn in group A alongside hosts, Ecuador, New Zealand

    Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos drawn in group A alongside hosts, Ecuador, New Zealand

    The Flamingos of Nigeria have been drawn’ in the same group as hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador and New Zealand in Group A at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

    The draw ceremony took place in San Domingo in Dominican Republic.

    The Flamingos will face New Zealand in their first game on Wednesday, October 16.

    Bankole Olowookere’s side will do battle with Ecuador in their second group game three days later.

    The West Africans will then round off  their group stage campaign with a clash with Dominican Republic on Tuesday, October 22.

    It would be recalled that Nigeria came third at the last edition of the biennial competition hosted by India.

    OTHER GROUPS

    Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia

  • Dominican 2024: Nigeria qualifies, beats Liberia 2-0 in Abuja

    Dominican 2024: Nigeria qualifies, beats Liberia 2-0 in Abuja

    The Flamingos of Nigeria on Friday qualified for the 2024 FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted by Dominican republic.

    The Nigerian girls defeated Liberia by two 2-0   in the second leg final round qualifier at the MKO Abiola National stadium Abuja.

    Coach Bankole Olowokoore made no changes to the side that started the first leg at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, Monrovia on Sunday.

    As early as the 4th minute, Chidi Harmony opened the scoring to make it two goals in two games against Liberia and five in her past three.

    Peace Effiong came close to doubling the lead in the 18th minute but was denied by a goal line clearance.

    Harmony came close to getting her second of the game in the 25th minute but her effort was easily saved by the Liberian goalkeeper.

    At the hour mark, Harmony came close to finding the back of the net but couldn’t bury the opportunity before she eventually doubled the lead in the 71st minute to rubber stamp Nigeria’s victory.

    The result meant that Nigeria  qualified 6-1 on aggregate having won the first leg 4-1 in Monrovia on Sunday.

    The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is billed for October 16-Nov 3rd in Dominican republic

  • Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos eager to grab World Cup ticket, tackle Liberia

    Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos eager to grab World Cup ticket, tackle Liberia

    After a 4-1 win away from home in the first leg, Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, are keen to conclude their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualification race on a high as they host their counterparts from Liberia at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Friday evening.υ

    Goals by the irrepressible Harmony Chidi, Peace Effiong, Shakirat Moshood and substitute Blessing Ifitezue earned Nigeria a handsome first leg win in Monrovia on Sunday, and only 90 minutes separate the 2022 bronze medallists from another appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, this time in the Dominican Republic.

    Nigeria forward Harmony Chidi has been the stellar talent of this qualifying campaign globally, scoring 11 goals in five matches, and with the possibility of adding to it at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Friday.

    The attacking potency of the Nigerian girls has been extraordinary, with a 12-0 aggregate win (6-0 in each leg) against Central African Republic in the second round, 7-1 aggregate against Burkina Faso (1-1 and 6-0) in the third round, and a 4-1 routing of their hosts in Monrovia in the final round, first leg encounter.

    Nigeria have missed only one edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals till date – the 2018 edition in Uruguay for which Cameroon’s Baby Lionesses edged the Flamingos on the away-goal rule in the final round.

    Saturday’s encounter, which is scheduled to commence at 4pm, will have Egyptian official Shahenda El-Maghrabi as referee, with her compatriots May Ali Hassan, Gamalat Ahmed Shebl and Noura Samir El-Sayed as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.

    Christine Ziga from Ghana will be the commissioner while Tesfanesh Woreta Hailu from Ethiopia will serve as referee assessor.

    This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in the cities of Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, 16th October – 3rd November.

  • U-17 WWCQ: Flamingos thrash Liberia 4-1 in Monrovia

    U-17 WWCQ: Flamingos thrash Liberia 4-1 in Monrovia

    The Nigerian U-17 female team, the Flamingos on Sunday night did the country proud in far away Monrovia by recording an emphatic victory against Liberia thus putting one foot already in Dominican Republic.

    The thrilling encounter ended 4-1 in the favour of the Nigerian girls at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, Monrovia, on Sunday night.

    Bankole Olowookere’s girls dominated the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round first-leg tie from the start.

    Shakirat Moshood opened the floodlight of goals inside 19th minute, while Peace Effiong doubled the advantage 10 minutes later.

    Potent Striker, Harmony Chidi registered the third inside 38th minute to ensure an emphatic 3-0 first half win in Monrovia.

    Substitute Blessing Ifitezue added the fourth for Nigeria 16 minutes from time.

    Howver, the hosts reduced the deficit   from the spot in the 87th minute to put final scores at 4-1.

    The reverse fixture is scheduled for next weekend at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

  • Dominican Republic 2024: Olowookere says Flamingos will play as if on home soil

    Dominican Republic 2024: Olowookere says Flamingos will play as if on home soil

    Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has assured that the Nigeria U17 girls, Flamingos, will play as if they are on home soil when they take on their Liberian counterparts in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying fixture in Monrovia on Sunday.

    “The atmosphere is great and the city of Monrovia is friendly. We feel at home, and we will approach the match as if we are playing at home. There is no way we will allow any form of crowd intimidation to distract us from our objective of picking a handsome win in this first leg.

    “I have spoken to the players and we have been working very hard, right from Abuja, and since we got here. A good win in the first leg here in Monrovia is crucial for us to play the return leg in Abuja without any jitters.”

    The match at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, which is the first leg of the final qualifying fixture for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup that will be hosted by the Dominican Republic, will commence at 4pm Liberia time (5pm Nigeria time) on Sunday.

    The second leg has been scheduled for the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday, 14th June, starting from 4pm Nigeria time.

    CAF has appointed officials from Chad to take charge of Sunday’s game, with Lare Lamngar as referee and her compatriots Victorine Ngarassoum, Homadje Ndingadal and Aicha Bit Oumarou as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively. Oumou Souleymane Kane from Mauritania will be commissioner and Ghanaian Emmanuella Grace Aglago will be in the role of referee assessor.