THE general secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, has commended the Flamingos for reaching this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Nigerian girls defeated Ethiopia 1-0 on aggregate in the final round of the qualifying series to claim one of Africa’s tickets to the tournament billed to take place in India in October.
At the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, the Flamingos drew 0-0 with their Ethiopian counterparts to pick the ticket to India on a 1-0 aggregate victory.
They will represent Africa in India along with Morocco, who eliminated Ghana on penalties after both legs ended 2-2 on aggregate.
The third African spot will be determined between Tanzania and Cameroon, with the former having already won the first leg 4-1.
“The qualification of the Flamingos to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which follows the qualification of the U-20 girls, Falconets, for their own FIFA World Cup taking place in Costa Rica, underscores our attention and investment in the women’s game,” Sanusi said today.
“The good outings of the girls are also positive messages to the girl-child in Nigeria that they can always succeed in what they do once they work hard, focus hard and approach things with diligence.
“I want to use this opportunity to assure Nigerians that the NFF will ensure the two teams are adequately prepared for the global challenges in India and Costa Rica respectively.”
The senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will also be fighting for a World Cup spot when they feature in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July.
The semi-finalists from the continental tournament, which the Super Falcons have won nine times, will secure the continent’s tickets to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“I have no doubt that the Super Falcons, who are campaigning in the Women’s AFCON next month where they are also seeking FIFA World Cup ticket, will earn their own World Cup qualification as well as retain the AFCON title,” Sanusi added.
The Super Falcons will commence their AFCON camping programme in Rabat, Morocco in a fortnight, ahead of the competition that will be held from July 2 to July 23.
The Falconets will participate in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica from August 10 to August 28, while the Flamingos will feature at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India from October 11 to October 30.
