THE Flamingos of Nigeria have been drawn in Group A of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup where they will battle hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador and New Zealand for a spot in the quarter-finals.
The draw was held late last night in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic capital city, with the 16 teams placed in four groups.
Defending champions Spain head a cast of heavyweights in Group B with United States of America, South Korea and Colombia their opponents, while African newcomers Kenya are up against North Korea, Mexico and England in Group C.
Japan, Poland, Brazil and Africa’s third representatives make up Group D.
The eighth edition of the tournament will comprise 32 matches in total, which will be played from October 16 to November 3 in two host cities, Santo Domingo and Santiago de los Caballeros.
The draw for the four groups was overseen by FIFA Director of Tournaments Jaime Yarza, accompanied by two elite athletes: Dominican athlete and mountaineer Thais Herrera and the Canada-born Mexico youth international Tatiana Flores.
The hosts will make their debut in the competition on October 16 against Ecuador in Santiago de los Caballeros, with New Zealand and Nigeria’s Flamingos completing Group A.
“The advice to all the players that will participate here is to be confident and go live your dream. ¡Y Buena suerte!” said Flores, who took part in this tournament two years ago in India.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a video message to the 100 guests attending the draw, including the Vice President of the Dominican Republic, Mrs. Raquel Peña.
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024 groupings
Group A: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nigeria
Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia
Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England
Group D: Japan , Poland, Brazil, Zambia
