CurrentReport Blog Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, are determined to continue their dominance as they face South Africa in the second leg of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup second-round qualifier this weekend. The Flamingos enter the match with a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, which was played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, last Saturday. Despite the strong result, Flamingos’ head coach, Bankole Olowookere, has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and securing another win to confirm their place in the final qualifying round.
In the first leg, Nigeria’s Harmony Chidi led the charge with a remarkable brace, while Shakirat Moshood added a third goal to seal the victory. The commanding 3-1 win gave the Flamingos a solid edge ahead of the return leg at their home ground in Ikenne, but Olowookere has warned his team not to get complacent.
“We are very much aware of the fact that it is never over until it is over. It will be foolish to assume otherwise,” Olowookere stated. “Yes, we won 3-1 away in South Africa, but the contest is still alive. That is our mentality. That has been at the heart of our preparations since we returned from Pretoria.” The coach’s words reflect the team’s commitment to going into the second leg with the same intensity and focus as they had in South Africa.
The Flamingos have made mental preparation a priority during the week leading up to the crucial match. Olowookere and his coaching staff have been working tirelessly to strengthen the players’ focus and mental resilience. “My assistants and I have been working on the team’s mental strength while drumming it into the ears of the girls that focus is key. No loss of concentration is allowed. Our objective is to win on Saturday and make sure of a place in the final qualifying round,” Olowookere explained.
The winner of this tie will advance to the final qualifying round of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where they will face either Botswana or Algeria. Botswana leads the first leg 2-1, adding an extra layer of intrigue as the Flamingos aim to book their ticket to the next stage. Regardless of the opponent, Olowookere’s goal remains clear: secure a spot in the final round with another victory.
The Flamingos’ remarkable performance in the first leg has given Nigerian fans reason to believe in the team’s potential to qualify for the U-17 Women’s World Cup, but Olowookere’s emphasis on focus and discipline shows that there is no room for underestimation. As the match draws near, anticipation continues to build in Ikenne, where the Nigerian team will look to complete the job and take another step towards qualifying for the prestigious tournament.
Saturday’s game promises to be an exciting encounter, and with the Flamingos’ eyes firmly set on victory, they will look to leave no room for an upset against their South African counterparts.
