The Flamingos of Nigeria displayed impressive composure and determination as they triumphed 3-1 over South Africa’s Bantwana in the first leg of their 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match. The young Nigerian squad arrived in South Africa with high hopes, but it was a chance encounter with Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o at OR Tambo International Airport that lifted their spirits to new heights.

Eto’o, a four-time African Player of the Year, met with the players and offered powerful words of encouragement, a gesture that proved to be a turning point for the team. His motivational talk echoed in their hearts as they took to the field.

The match kicked off with Shakirat Moshood making an early impact, scoring the opening goal in the 20th minute with a calm and composed finish. The Flamingos didn’t stop there, continuing to apply pressure. Their efforts were rewarded with a penalty when a foul in the box was committed against them, and Harmony Chidi confidently converted it to extend Nigeria’s lead before halftime.

South Africa mounted a comeback after the break, earning a penalty of their own. Malebana stepped up to convert it, pulling the score back to 2-1. But the Flamingos remained resilient, with Chidi striking again in the 68th minute to seal the victory with a 3-1 scoreline.

With a solid advantage, the Flamingos now return home to Ikenne-Remo, where they will look to finish the job in the second leg at Remo Stars Stadium and edge closer to securing a spot in the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.