Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere has named a 25-player squad for Nigeria’s preparations ahead of the 2024 WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup in Ghana.
Softfootball understands that the regional tournament will take place from December 12 to 26, with Nigeria aiming to build on its impressive outing at the recent FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
Olowookere has retained the core of the squad that reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup before losing to eventual bronze medallists, the United States. The Flamingos also returned home with the FIFA Fair Play Award after an outstanding campaign.
Midfielder Shakirat Moshood, who scored four goals at the tournament, headlines the squad alongside first-choice goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma.
Defenders Taiwo Adegoke, Jumai Adebayo and Prisca Nwachukwu also earned invitations, while midfielders Farida Abdulwahab and forwards Harmony Chidi, Peace Effiong and Janet Akekoromowei retained their places.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside Côte d’Ivoire and Niger Republic, while hosts Ghana will battle Burkina Faso and Benin Republic in Group A.
All invited players are expected to report to the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday, December 3, to begin preparations for the competition.
The tournament presents another opportunity for the Flamingos to showcase the exciting crop of young talents that have emerged in recent years, with many members of the squad hoping to continue their impressive development after their memorable World Cup campaign.
Olowookere will be counting on the experience gained in the Dominican Republic as Nigeria targets another successful outing on the regional stage.
