Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa’s Bantwana on Saturday in the second leg of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match.
The game, held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, saw the Flamingos dominate both halves, sealing their place in the final round of qualifiers with a 5-1 aggregate win after their earlier 3-1 triumph in South Africa.
Harmony Chidi, who had netted twice in the first leg, opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a precise header off a well-delivered free kick from Shakirat Moshood. Early in the second half, Chidi turned provider, setting up Aishat Animashaun, who outplayed South African goalkeeper Samekelise Mthembu to double Nigeria’s lead.
Despite impressive efforts from Bantwana’s attacking trio—Zoe October, Thoriso Mphelo, and captain Katleho Malebana—the South Africans were unable to break through Nigeria’s solid defense.
With this win, the Flamingos advance to the final qualification round, where they will face the winner of the Botswana vs. Algeria fixture in April.
The 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. Africa will be represented by five teams, including host nation Morocco, as the tournament expands to a 24-team format.