Nigeria U17 women’s head coach, Bankole Olowookere, has unveiled his final 21-player squad for the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8.

Bayelsa Queens’ midfield maestro, Shakirat Moshood, headlines the list after an impressive showing at the last edition in the Dominican Republic, where she netted four goals, just one shy of the tournament’s top scorer. The creative playmaker will captain the Flamingos as they aim to surpass their historic bronze medal finish from 2022.

Also making the cut are goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo, and forward Queen Joseph, all of whom impressed during the team’s warm-up fixtures. Other key inclusions include Elizabeth Boniface, Azeezat Oduntan, Christiana Sunday, Muinat Rotimi, Zainab Raji, and Mariam Yahaya.

The team has already arrived in Casablanca for the final phase of preparations ahead of their opening fixture. Drawn in Group D, Nigeria will begin their campaign against Canada on October 19, face France on October 22 (both 8 p.m.), and conclude the group stage against Samoa on October 25 at 5 p.m.

Coach Olowookere, who led the Flamingos to a historic bronze medal finish in India two years ago, will once again steer the young Nigerian side as they chase glory on Moroccan soil.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels), Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers), Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens).

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Jumai Adebayo (Rivers Angels), Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo), Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers), Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99), Fatimoh Shuaib (Nasarawa Amazons).

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy), Zainab Raji (Dannaz FC), Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy), Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC).

Forwards: Kaosarat Olanrewaju (Ayishat Yusuf Academy, Lagos), Mariam Yahaya (FC Robo), Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy), Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo), Precious Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers), Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels).