Flamingos Set For Friendly Test Ahead of Final U-17 World Cup Qualifying Round

Flamingos Set For Friendly Test Ahead of Final U-17 World Cup Qualifying Round 

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have stepped up preparations for their decisive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Benin Republic, with training camp now fully underway in Ikenne, Ogun State, BSNSports.cim.ng reports.

The team has commenced intensive sessions at the Remo Stars Sports Institute as Head Coach, Hakeem Busari and his technical crew continue to fine-tune strategies ahead of the final qualifying round scheduled for July 4.

While the majority of the invited players have reported to camp, a number of squad members are yet to join their teammates due to club commitments in the ongoing President Federation Cup. Team officials expect the remaining players to arrive once their domestic engagements are concluded.

As part of preparations for the crucial encounter, the Flamingos will face Dream Stars Ladies in a friendly match on Saturday (today) at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. The test game is expected to provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess the squad’s fitness levels, tactical understanding and overall readiness ahead of the qualifier.

Friendly Match

- Fixture: Flamingos vs Dream Stars Ladies

- Venue: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne

- Date: Saturday

- Kick-off: 4:00 pm

The two-legged final qualifying round against Benin Republic represents the last hurdle for Nigeria in their quest to secure a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Flamingos have established themselves as one of Africa’s leading youth teams in recent years. They made history at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India by winning the bronze medal, becoming the first Nigerian team to claim a podium finish at a FIFA women’s tournament. The team also featured at the 2024 edition, further underlining Nigeria’s growing reputation in women’s youth football.

Qualification for the upcoming World Cup would extend Nigeria’s impressive record in the competition and reinforce the country’s status as one of the continent’s strongest producers of young female football talent.

With preparations gathering pace in Ikenne, attention is now focused on ensuring the squad reaches peak condition ahead of the highly anticipated showdown with Benin Republic in early July.