Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has unveiled his squad for this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals, set to kick off on October 16 in the Dominican Republic. The roster includes standout players Taiwo Afolabi, along with forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.
Chidi, a prolific scorer, netted 13 goals during the qualifying series, contributing significantly to the team’s impressive total of 25 goals. The 2022 bronze medallists in India demonstrated their prowess by overcoming formidable opponents, including the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, and Liberia, in the qualifiers.
Taiwo Afolabi will anchor the midfield, supported by Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood, and Ayomide Rotimi. In goal, first-choice goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma will be pushed to excel by her backups, Sylvia Echefu and Elizabeth Boniface.
Defensive duties will be led by Taiwo Adegoke, while Harmony Chidi spearheads the attacking front alongside Peace Effiong and four other talented forwards.
Nigeria has been drawn into Group A alongside host nation the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand.
The team is scheduled to depart Nigeria for a two-week training camp in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, on Tuesday, October 1.
They will open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on October 16 at 4 PM Nigerian time.
Squad Details:
Goalkeepers:
- Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens)
- Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens)
- Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)
Defenders:
- Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers)
- Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels)
- Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies)
- Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy)
- Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
- Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens)
- Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)
Midfielders:
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- Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens)
- Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens)
- Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)
Forwards:
- Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports)
- Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers)
- Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot)
- Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers)
- Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels)
- Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels)
- Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens)
Groupings:
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
As the team prepares for this prestigious tournament, hopes are high for a strong performance on the world stage.
