Flamingos Advance to Final Round of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured a place in the final round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with an emphatic 5-1 aggregate victory over South Africa.
Harmony Chidi, who netted twice in the first leg, showcased her clinical finishing once again in the return fixture in Ogun State, Nigeria. In the 37th minute, she expertly directed a header from a tight angle into the net, reinforcing the Flamingos’ lead after their initial 3-1 triumph in South Africa.
Shakirat Moshood, another standout performer from the first leg, demonstrated her creative flair early in the second half. Eleven minutes after the restart, she delivered a pinpoint free kick from the right flank, finding Aishat Animashaun. With composure and precision, Animashaun lobbed the ball over South African goalkeeper Samekelise Mthembu, extending Nigeria’s lead and further dampening the visitors’ hopes.
Despite determined efforts from South Africa’s Bantwana, including notable performances by Zoe October, Thoriso Mphelo, Khmezi Khoza, and captain Katleho Malebana, they struggled to breach Nigeria’s rock-solid defense.
The Flamingos’ defensive unit—comprising Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Philomena Isaiah, and Favour Iheagwam—displayed remarkable discipline and resilience, effectively neutralizing South Africa’s attacking threats.
With this commanding performance, Nigeria’s Flamingos have asserted their dominance in the qualifiers and now await their next challenge in the final round, where they will face the winner of the upcoming clash between Botswana and Algeria.
