In a thrilling match played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, Nigeria’s U17 national women’s football team, The Flamingos, secured a impressive 3-1 victory over host South Africa’s Bantanwa in the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Nigerian girls stole the show with goals from Shukurat Moshood and Harmony Chidi, who scored a remarkable brace. The win gives Flamingos a significant advantage in the two-legged affair, with the return leg scheduled to take place in Ikenne, Ogun State a week later.
Malebana scored a consolation goal for the host, but it was not enough to dampen the Nigerian team’s spirits.
The victory is a promising sign for Nigerian football, and may serve as inspiration for other national teams, including the Super Eagles and Super Falcons, who have struggled against South African teams in recent matches. The Super Eagles will be looking to replicate Flamengoes’ success when they face Bafana Bafana in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this summer.
Morocco will host the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup later this year.