Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s Team Shows Dominance in Training Match
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, has continued to showcase their growing strength and confidence as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. In a recent training match held in Abuja, the team delivered a commanding 7–0 victory over Nazareth Queens, reinforcing their strong performance in camp.
The match, which was initially scheduled for Sunday but took place on Monday, saw the Flamingos dominate from the outset. They entered halftime with a 2–0 lead, setting the tone for an impressive second-half display that led to a decisive win.
Wuraola Olayiwola opened the scoring in the eighth minute, followed by Oluebube Umejiaku who doubled the advantage in the 34th minute. This early success gave the Flamingos control of the game and allowed them to build momentum throughout the match.
In the second half, Harmony Chidi made it three with goals in the 48th and 54th minutes, further solidifying Nigeria’s dominance. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi added a fifth goal from the penalty spot in the 59th minute, while Islamiyat Yusuf scored the sixth in the 62nd minute. Favour Enodumwenben completed the rout with a goal in the 67th minute, sealing a high-scoring victory.
This result follows an earlier 6–0 win over Generation Next on Saturday, highlighting the team’s progress during their intensive training camp in Abuja. The camp is part of preparations for the second-round qualifier against Guinea, as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to evaluate his squad.
The Flamingos are currently working with a 36-player squad drawn from all departments, as Nigeria ramps up its efforts ahead of the tournament set to take place in Morocco in 2026. The team’s focus is on refining their skills and building team cohesion in preparation for the challenges ahead.
Motivational Visit from Former Coach and CAF Official
Following the match, the squad received a motivational visit from former Flamingos assistant coach and Super Falcons goalkeeper Precious Dede, along with Goshime Meskerem, head of women’s football at CAF. Dede brought training equipment she personally purchased for the players, emphasizing her belief in their potential.
Her visit served as a reminder for the young squad to maintain discipline and ambition as they continue their development. Dede encouraged the players to stay focused and committed to their goals, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and perseverance.
Upcoming Fixtures and Qualification Goals
Nigeria will now face Guinea in a two-leg qualifier in May. The first leg will be played away between May 22 and 24, with the return fixture taking place in Abuja on May 30. The Flamingos aim to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, using these matches as crucial steps in their qualification journey.
As the team prepares for these important fixtures, the support from experienced figures like Dede and Meskerem plays a vital role in boosting morale and reinforcing the team’s commitment to excellence.
The Flamingos’ recent performances have demonstrated their growing strength and determination. With continued training and strategic planning, the team is well-positioned to make a strong impact in the qualifiers and ultimately represent Nigeria on the global stage.
