Morocco Triumphs 3-1 Over South Africa in Pretoria, 2025
Nigeria’s U-17 girls made a crucial leap toward qualifying for the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over South Africa’s Bantwana at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday.
Shakirat Moshood, who scored four goals at the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, opened the scoring with a precise finish in the 20th minute, putting the Flamingos in front.
Harmony Chidi, who netted an impressive 13 goals during the qualifying series for last year’s finals, extended Nigeria’s lead with a calm penalty conversion in the 40th minute, showing her composure from the spot.
South Africa pulled one back just two minutes after the restart when Malebana converted a penalty for the hosts, briefly giving Bantwana a glimmer of hope for a comeback.
However, Chidi silenced those hopes with her second goal of the match in the 68th minute, restoring Nigeria’s two-goal advantage and solidifying their control of the tie.
The return leg will be held at Remo Stars’ Stadium in Ikenne-Remo next Saturday, with the aggregate winner advancing to the final qualification round.
The four winners from this final round will join hosts Morocco as Africa’s representatives at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled from October 17 to November 5.
The Flamingos, who claimed a historic bronze medal at the 2022 tournament, are aiming for their second consecutive appearance at the global event after participating in last year’s edition in the Dominican Republic.
With a solid two-goal lead, Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side will be confident of securing the necessary result on home soil next weekend.
