THE Flamingos will begin their journey to the India 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a second round, first leg clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa on Sunday.
The Nigerian girls, quarter-finalists at the global tournament in 2010, 2012 and 2014, have been in camp for some weeks in Abuja and head coach Bankole Olowookere has named 20 players for the trip to Kinshasa.
In the squad are two goalkeepers, seven defenders, four midfielders and seven forwards.
The Flamingos have qualified for all but one edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the tournament was began in New Zealand in 2008.
The only tournament the Flamingos missed was the 2018 edition in Uruguay, when they lost their final qualifying tie to Cameroon on the away goals rule.
The return leg between Nigeria and DR Congo is scheduled for the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Saturday, 19 March.
The winners of the tie over two legs will clash with the Egypt in the third round of the African qualifying campaign next month.
The Nigeria delegation to Kinshasa will leave Nigeria on Friday.
FLAMINGOS SQUAD TO KINSHASA
Goalkeepers:
Faith Omilana; Linda Jiwuaku
Defenders:
Blessing Sunday; Comfort Folorunsho; Confidence Uwoha; Tumininu Adeshina; Mamusoz Edafe; Miracle Usani; Olamide Oyinlola
Midfielders:
Blessing Emmanuel; Taiwo Afolabi; Chidera Okenwa; Aminat Bello
Forwards:
Sofiat Bankole; Dah-Zossu Alvine; Anastasia Atume; Kafayat Bashiru; Raheemot Adebayo; Joy Igbokwe; Opeyemi Ajakaye
