Nigeria’s Flamingos secured and sealed a 5-1 aggregate victory over South Africa’s Bantwana with a confident 2-0 win in the second leg of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday.
Having won the first leg 3-1 in Pretoria, the Nigerian girls ensured there was no room for a comeback, delivering a disciplined performance that saw them cruise into the final round of qualifiers.
Chidi and Animashaun Seal Victory in Ikenne
Harmony Chidi, the two-goal heroine from the first leg, once again proved her quality by breaking the deadlock in the 37th minute.
The forward made a clever run into the box and expertly nodded home from an acute angle after a well-delivered free-kick from Shakirat Moshood.
Moshood, who had also scored in the first leg, turned provider once more in the 56th minute.
Her precise pass found Aishat Animashaun, who calmly lifted the ball over South African goalkeeper Samekelise Mthembu to double Nigeria’s lead.
Despite some promising performances from South Africa’s Zoe October, Thoriso Mphelo, Khmezi Khoza, and captain Katleho Malebana, the visitors struggled to break through Nigeria’s resolute backline of Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Philomena Isaiah, and Favour Iheagwam.
Olowookere’s Tactical Discipline Pays Off
Head coach Bankole Olowookere had revealed the importance of focus despite Nigeria’s first-leg advantage, warning that complacency could be costly.
“We are very much aware of the fact that it is never over until it is over. It would be foolish to assume otherwise,” Olowookere said before the match.
“Yes, we won 3-1 away in South Africa, but the contest is still alive. That is our mentality.”
His words proved prophetic, as the Flamingos approached the match with caution and professionalism, shutting down South Africa’s attacking efforts while taking their chances clinically.
South African coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo had remained hopeful before the encounter, but her side was ultimately unable to break Nigeria’s dominance.
Next Stop: Final Round Against Botswana or Algeria
With this victory, Nigeria advances to the final round of the African qualifiers, where they will face either Botswana or Algeria next month. Botswana currently hold a narrow 2-1 advantage from the first leg of their tie.
The ultimate prize is a ticket to the Morocco 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the eighth edition of the biennial tournament.
Nigeria, who finished third in the 2022 edition, are determined to make another deep run on the global stage.
With their form and discipline, the Flamingos have shown they are ready to take on the next challenge as they edge closer to securing their place in Morocco.
