Nigeria's Flamingos need to improve against South Africa - Olowookere

In the opening leg of their FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifier, Nigeria's Flamingos recorded a hard-fought 1-3 win against the South African U17 women's national team, Bantwana at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Shakirat Moshood gave Nigeria the lead 20 minutes into the game, and three minutes after the interval, Harmony Chidi added a second goal.

Katleho Malebana, the captain of South Africa, responded with a composed penalty kick in the 47th minute of the second half.

Chidi grabbed her brace in the 68th minute to put the South Africans out of the game.

Ntombifuthi Khumalo, the head coach of Bantwana, acknowledged the areas that require development but expressed optimism for a successful return in Nigeria.

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Olowookere Bankole, the coach of the Flamingos, praised his team's performance but anticipates a more difficult matchup in the return leg.

He said, “We had a good result.

"But we need to improve on a few things for the next game, as I know South Africa is also going to improve.”

Both teams still have a chance of qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup, with the second leg set for March 15, 2025, at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Nigeria.