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Nigeria’s U17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, will kick off their 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Wednesday.
The match will take place in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. Nigeria is drawn in Group A alongside New Zealand, the host nation Dominican Republic, and Ecuador.
With high expectations, Nigeria enters the tournament aiming to build on their impressive third-place finish at the 2022 edition held in India. They’ll be looking to go one step further this time around, under the guidance of coach Bankole Olowookere.
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Ahead of the competition, the Flamingos had a solid test against Mexico, drawing 1-1 in a friendly match. Olowookere decided to rest the stars of the team during the friendly.
The game allowed Olowookere to assess his squad’s readiness. “The match against Mexico was tough, but it helped us prepare,” Olowookere remarked, noting that the team is well-prepared but still has room to improve.
Nigeria’s star striker Harmony Chidi is expected to play a key role in their tournament run. Chidi was prolific in the qualifiers, netting 12 goals, including two hat-tricks, and will be one to watch in this opener.
Other keys players to watch in the Nigerian team include Peace Effiong, and captain Taiwo Afolabi.
New Zealand out to shock Flamingos
Their opponents, New Zealand, are no strangers to the Flamingos, having faced them in the 2022 World Cup, where Nigeria emerged with a dominant 4-0 victory.
This time, however, New Zealand, under coach Alana Gunn, promises a stronger challenge. The team has a solid squad, with many players who were part of their victorious campaign at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship.
Furthermore, leading the charge for New Zealand is Laura Bennett. The player claimed the Golden Boot at the OFC U-16 tournament after scoring 10 goals. She’ll be joined by talented players like Emily Humphrey and Mikaela Bangalan, as the Kiwis look to surprise their more favoured opponents.
For Nigeria, a win would send a strong message to the rest of the competition. Meanwhile, New Zealand will be looking to make their mark and show they can compete with the best.
In conclusion, the New Zealand-Nigeria match will kick off at exactly 9pm Nigeria time. It can be watched on the FIFA+ TV.
FLAMINGOS FULL LIST FOR 2024 U17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma, Elizabeth Boniface, Sylvia Echefu.
Defenders: Taiwo Adegoke, Prisca Nwachukwu, Jumai Adebayo, Rokibat Azeez, Hannah Ibrahim, Vivian Ekezie, Ololade Isiaka.
Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi, Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood, Muinat Rotimi.
Forwards: Oghenemairo Obruthe, Harmony Chidi, Kudirat Arogundade, Ramotalahi Kareem, Aishat Animashaun, Peace Effiong, Blessing Ifitezue.
Tags: Taiwo Afolabi, Harmony Chidi, Peace Effiong, Bankole Olowookere, Flamingos, Kiwis, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, 2024, India, 2022, Emily Humphrey, Mikaela Bangalan, Laura Bennett, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports.
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