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Nigeria’s U17 girls’ team, the Flamingos, have arrived in South Africa ahead of their 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup second-round qualifier against South Africa’s Bantwana, Footynaija.com reports.
The team landed at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Thursday morning, where they received a surprise welcome from Barcelona and Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o, who is also the President of the Cameroon Football Federation.
Eto’o, a four-time African Player of the Year and the Africa Cup of Nations’ all-time top scorer, greeted the young players with warm handshakes and motivational words, encouraging them to make their nation proud.
Samuel Eto’o Meets Flamingos at Johannesburg Airport!
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) March 6, 2025
The Cameroonian legend was spotted this morning with Nigeria’s U17 Women’s National Team at the Airport!
The Flamingos are in South Africa for the first leg of their 2025 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. pic.twitter.com/sn9p868s3w
The Flamingos are accompanied by the Nigerian delegation led by NFF board member Timothy Magaji, alongside NFF Director of Competitions Ruth David, Head of Women’s Football Amina Daura, and head coach Bankole Olowookere.
Coach Olowookere has named a 19-player squad for the two-legged tie, including key players like goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Chisom Nwachukwu.
The first leg is set for Saturday, March 8, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, kicking off at 3 pm South African time (2 pm Nigerian time).
Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, received a bye into the second round of the qualifiers, while their opponents Bantwana thrashed Gabon 21-2 on aggregate in the previous round.
The Flamingos will be aiming for a positive result in South Africa before hosting the return leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on March 15. The winner on aggregate will advance to the third round of the qualification campaign.
The 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, with Africa represented by five teams, including the host nation.
19 FLAMINGOS TEAM FOR SOUTH AFRICA:
Christiana Uzoma, Onyinyechi Opara, Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Temilade Fafore, Shavih Istifanus, Taiwo Adegoke, Shakirat Moshood, Muinat Rotimi, Azeezat Oduntan, Philomena Ochanya, Aishat Animashaun, Elizabeth Boniface, Queen Joseph, Olamide Olanrewaju, Chisom Nwachukwu, Harmony Chidi, Favour Iheagwaram, Christiana Sunday
