Nigeria’s Flamingos triumphed 5-1 on aggregate over South Africa’s Bantwana in the penultimate qualifying round for this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, earning a spot in the final qualifying stage next month.
In the first leg, Nigeria secured a 3-1 victory with goals from Shakirat Moshood and a brace from Harmony Chidi.
The second leg was held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, where the Flamingos continued their dominant display.
Chidi, who had already scored twice in the first leg, struck again in the 37th minute, meeting a free kick from Moshood to double Nigeria’s lead.
In the second half, Moshood turned provider once more, setting up Aishat Animashaun for Nigeria’s second goal, as she lifted the ball over South African goalkeeper Samekelise Mthembu.
Despite solid performances from South Africa’s Zoe October, Thoriso Mphelo, Khmezi Khoza, and captain Katleho Malebana, the Bantwana couldn’t break through Nigeria’s defense, which was marshaled by Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Philomena Isaiah, and Favour Iheagwam.
The Flamingos now advance to the final round of the qualifying series, where they will face the winner of the match between Botswana and Algeria.
