Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has invited 35 players to the camp of Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, as the team commences the first phase of final preparations for the 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals to be staged in the Dominican Republic later this year.
The Nigerian girls notched an awe-inspiring total of 25 goals in six matches in the qualifying race, routing the Central African Republic by six goals in each leg, dismissing Burkina Faso 7-1 on aggregate in the third round and turning back Liberia 6-1 on aggregate in the final round.
Extraordinary poacher Harmony Chidi, who set a jaw-dropping record of 13 goals in the qualifying series, tops the list of invitees alongside her strike partner Peace Effiong, with team captain Taiwo Afolabi, goalkeeper Chrstiana Uzoma and defender Prisca Nwachukwu also prominent.
The 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in the cities of Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, 16th October – 3rd November.
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ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens); Mary Igieneh (Osun Babes); Juliana Simon (Youthsfon Kaduna)
Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation FA); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels); Timilehin Faluyi (Asisat Oshoala Academy); Elizabeth Adesuyi (Castmog Ladies)
Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Mary Aderemi (Bayelsa Queens); Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Farikike Moses (Dannaz Queens); Amarachukwu Onuorah (Edo Queens); Justina Owolabi (Ondo State Academy); Adanna Nwachukwu (Naija Ratels)
Forwards: Yetunde Ayantosho (Heartland Queens); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramota Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Aishat Bolarinwa (Ghetto Tigers); Azeezat Oluwole (Right Vision Academy)
1 Comment
Last time around, team captain Alvin Dah-Zossu faded like a plume of smoke in the tournament proper after impressing like a house on fire in the qualifiers. (brother 9Ja Realist, please let me tap into your knowledge again: where is Alvin Dah-Zossu these days? her progressions appears to have hit a snag).
This time around, I am rooting for the duo of Harmony Chidi and Ramota Kareem to take the world by storm with the other gorgeous young ladies not far behind.
Even at this level, Chidi really needs to work on her composure.
This will afford her greater mental clarity to be even more ruthless than she actually is. Many local observers are calling her the next “Asisat Oshoala”. These days I don’t know if that aspiration is a blessing or a burden.
Yes, if you want to win all individual awards going and carry the badge of a “high profile (rich) juggernaut” then yes you can aspire to be the next Oshoala. But, a throng of Super Falcons fans bemoan how tepid and largely ineffective Oshoala has been in Super Falcons colours well over 5 years now. She is so frustrating to watch as she appears to struggle with the weight of expectations on her. That said, as a keen observer of our games, I still applaud Oshoala’s work ethics, desire, raw pace and efforts. But, as a credible goal threat, her impact has been largely underwhelming for a player of her stature as she has become very predictable to pick off by opposing defenders. Persistent wastefulness in from of goal is another complaint leveled her by some fans.
So I wish Chidi Harmony well. Rather than follow the path Oshoala’s trajectory has led to, I will encourage Chidi to chart a peculiar path for herself and leave her own trail and unique impact in the sands of football-time.
As for Ramota, she showed glimpses of magic coming off the bench in qualifiers but at times she played to the gallery making it difficult to root for her to start. If she can curb her excesses and apply herself with greater level of focus and professionalism, then we have another star in the making.
This roster from Coach Bankole has an impressive curb appeal. When you see the likes of Harmony, Ramota, Afolabi and Effiong, the squad starts to resemble a golden ticket set for greater heights.
If it is not evident by now, I am eagerly looking forward to the Women’s U-20 and U-17 World Cups this year. The girls are shepherded by experienced coaches who have assembled a gallimaufry of gorgeously talented young ladies itching to take the world by storm.
What do I have to say to that? F**k Yeah!!!!!!!