Flamingos moves closer to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with 3-1 win over South Africa

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, took a big step toward securing a spot in the final round of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification with a commanding 3-1 victory over South Africa’s Bantwana on Saturday.

Shakirat Moshood, who shined at last year’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic with four goals, opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 20th minute with a clinical finish.

Harmony Chidi, a prolific scorer with 13 goals in the previous World Cup qualifiers, extended the Flamingos’ lead, converting a penalty with confidence.

South Africa fought back early in the second half as Malebana pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 47th minute, giving the Bantwana hope. However, Chidi struck again in the 68th minute, restoring Nigeria’s two-goal advantage and sealing the win.

The two sides will face off again in the return leg next Saturday at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. With this crucial first-leg victory, the Flamingos are in a strong position to advance to the final qualification round for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.