Soccer
Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, were held to a 1-1 draw by Beyond Limits U13 boys in a friendly match on Friday as they continued their preparations for the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.
The match, played at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne, was the Flamingos’ third warm-up fixture since setting up camp earlier this month.
After racking up convincing wins against Nakamura FA and ANWFCC All Stars, Bankole Olowookere’s side faced a sterner test against the talented boys’ team.
The Flamingos made a blistering start, taking the lead in the 3rd minute through Aishat Animashaun, who converted calmly from the penalty spot. However, Beyond Limits grew into the game, creating several chances but failing to make them count.
GIRLS VS BOYS:
Nigeria U17 Flamingos 1 VS 1 Beyond Limits U13 Boys – U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers Prep⚽️ Aishat Animashaun 3’
⚽️ Beyond Limit U13 Boys 90+2’ pic.twitter.com/LgBeBpR4po— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) February 28, 2025
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Despite the Flamingos’ early advantage, the match remained evenly poised, with both sides struggling to convert opportunities.
The U13 boys’ persistence eventually paid off as they found an equalizer late in the game, courtesy of a stunning long-range strike that left the Flamingos goalkeeper with no chance.
While the result denied the Flamingos a third consecutive friendly victory, Olowookere’s team will take encouragement from their overall performance as they build towards their crucial two-legged qualifier against South Africa, scheduled for March 7 and 16.
Nigeria Flamingos 10 VS 0 ANWFCC ALL Stars
⚽️ Harmony Chidi 13’
⚽️ Harmony Chidi 30’
⚽️ Moshood Shakirat 31’
⚽️ Joseph Queen 38’
⚽️ Moshood Shakirat 50’
⚽️ Harmony Chidi 63’
⚽️ Temilade Fafore 74’
⚽️ Temilade Fafore 76’
⚽️ Shakirat Basiru 85’
⚽️ Anuoluwapo’ Awotidoye 90+9’ pic.twitter.com/NXU6fdmLKf— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) February 26, 2025
The Flamingos have now scored 17 goals and conceded just two in their three friendly matches — a testament to their attacking brilliance and defensive solidity ahead of the decisive World Cup qualifying clash.
Nigeria U17 Flamingos 6 vs 1 Nakamura FA – Goals & Highlight – FRIENDLY – 2025 U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup Preparation
⚽️ Chisom Nwachukwu 9’
⚽️ Chidi Harmony 12’
⚽️ Chidi Harmony 17’
⚽️ Queen Joseph 58’
⚽️ Shakirat Moshood 64’
⚽️ Queen Joseph 72’
⚽️ Own Goal 90+4’ pic.twitter.com/FplJ9W5iAp— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) February 22, 2025
Earlier in their preparation, the Nigerian girls thrashed Nakamura FA 6-1 on February 22 before delivering a dominant 10-0 victory over ANWFCC All Stars on Wednesday.
With less than two weeks before their trip to South Africa, the Flamingos’ technical crew will be hoping to fine-tune the team’s tactics and fitness as they aim to secure a place at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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