Flamingos Advance to Final Round of 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers with 5-1 Aggregate Victory over South Africa

Nigeria's U-17 women's national team, the Flamingos, have advanced to the final round of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory over South Africa's Bantwana. 

In the first leg held at Pretoria's Lucas Moripe Stadium, the Flamingos achieved a 3-1 win. Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring in the 20th minute, followed by Harmony Chidi's penalty conversion before halftime. South Africa's captain, Katleho Malebana, reduced the deficit with a penalty early in the second half, but Chidi's second goal in the 68th minute restored Nigeria's two-goal advantage. 

In the return leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory. Harmony Chidi continued her impressive form by heading in the opener in the 37th minute, assisted by Shakirat Moshood's well-placed free kick. Aishat Animashaun sealed the win in the 56th minute, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Samekelise Mthembu. 

The Flamingos will face the winner of the Botswana-Algeria fixture in the final qualifying round next month. The 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup is scheduled from October 17 to November 5 in Morocco, with Africa fielding five teams, including the host nation. 

Photo credit: Pooja Media