The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup commences in Morocco this weekend, and Nigerian football fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament. Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, popularly known as the Flamingos, kick off their campaign against Poland in Rabat on Saturday. According to Premium Times Nigeria, Germany will also be in action on the opening day, taking on Argentina.
The Flamingos, who have won the tournament once before in 2016, will be hoping to repeat their success in Morocco. Nigeria finished second in the African qualifiers, losing to South Africa in the final. However, they secured their spot in the World Cup after South Africa were disqualified due to fielding an ineligible player.
Germany, one of the favourites for the tournament, will be looking to build on their runner-up finish in the 2022 edition. Argentina, who also reached the semi-finals in 2022, will be eager to go one step further this time around. The South American side beat Nigeria in the group stage in 2022, winning 2-1.
According to Punch Newspapers, the Flamingos have been in good form in the build-up to the tournament, winning all three of their warm-up matches. However, they will face a tough test against Poland, who reached the quarter-finals in 2022. The Polish side lost to eventual winners Spain in the last eight.
The Flamingos have been boosted by the return of star striker Rasheedat Ajibade, who missed the 2022 tournament through injury. Ajibade, who plays for Spanish club Barcelona Femení, scored 13 goals in 14 appearances for the Flamingos in 2022.
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup runs from October 17 to November 1 in Morocco. The tournament features 16 teams, with the top three from each group progressing to the knockout stages.
By
