The Nigerian U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, are gearing up for their 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup opener against New Zealand’s Young Football Ferns on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. After securing a third-place finish in the 2022 tournament in India, Coach Bankole Olowookere’s squad is eager to surpass their previous achievements and clinch the title this time around.

Led by Harmony Chidi, who scored 12 goals in the qualifiers, the Flamingos have a strong attack. Nigeria’s squad features a blend of youthful talent, including forwards like Oghenemairo Obruthe and defenders like Prisca Nwachukwu. Meanwhile, New Zealand, managed by coach Alana Gunn, will aim to avenge their 4-0 loss to Nigeria at the 2022 tournament.

With the match set at Estadio Cibao FC in the Dominican Republic and kickoff scheduled for 2100 hours WAT, fans can watch the game live on FIFA+ and StarTimes.

Expectations: Nigeria enters as the favorites, but New Zealand could make the contest competitive. Coach Olowookere believes in his team’s capability, aiming to bring the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy home.