- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The unrelented efforts of the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji to take sports activities to the next levels has begin yielding positive results as the captain of the Ekiti Queens Football Club, Seun Fakunle secured an official invitation to
Fakunle’s invitation was as a result of her exceptional performance in the ongoing 2024/2025 Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL25) of the Premiership season.
The governor on different occasions has vowed not to leave no stone unturned to develop sports sector in Ekiti which has now been providing job and international opportunities for the teeming youths of the state both male and female in different sporting activities.
According to a release made available to TopNews by the General Secretary of NFF, Mr Ademola Olajiire said, “in preparation for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against South Africa, Coach Bankole Olowokere has invited a total of 30 players to begin camping on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.
“Among the invited players is Seun Fakunle, the captain of Ekiti Queens, who will join other talented young players from across the country to battle for a spot in the Nigerian U-17 girls’ team, the Flamingos.
The Flamingos, who won the bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup in India, are determined to qualify for this year’s tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 8.
Coach Olowokere, who led the team to a third-place finish in India, has expressed confidence in the ability of the invited players to deliver a positive result against South Africa.
The camping exercise is expected to be intense, with the players undergoing rigorous training sessions to prepare them for the challenges ahead.
The Nigerian U-17 girls’ team will face South Africa’s Bantwana in a two-leg qualifying match, with the first leg scheduled to take place between March 7 and 16.
With the talent and determination of the invited players, the Flamingos are poised to make a strong impression in the qualifying match and ultimately secure a spot at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
FLAMINGOS FOR CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO FOR SOUTH AFRICA:
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Maureen Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies); Stella Emperor (Adamawa Queens).
Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Jennifer Ozoani (Greenfoot FC); Marylyn Edem (Nasarawa Amazons); Amblessed Ogbonnaya (Bayelsa Queens); Ifeoma Ogoegbe (Greenfoot FC); Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens); Shavih Istifanus (Jos).
Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Charles Nwabueze (Abia Angels); Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa Amazons); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens); Fatima Solaty (Dannaz Ladies); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shakirat Bashiru (New Generation SC).
Forwards: Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Seun Fakunle (Ekiti Queens); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Favour Iheagwaram (Abia Angels); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Grace Saliu (Naija Ratels); Afensimi Omon (Adamawa Queens); Anuoluwapo Awotidoye (Naija Ratels).
