FIFA U-17 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP: Flamingoes continues preparation

The U17 Women National Team, Flamingoes have
shown a rich vein of form as preparations hit new gear
for the 5th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup starting in
Jordan on 30th September.
Coach Bala Nikyu’s girls displayed ferocious form with
three wins in three successive friendly matches in
Abuja between Tuesday and Saturday.
On Tuesday, Sure Babes FC of Ilorin were the victims
as Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the team’s top scorer,
hit two goals in a 4-0 win at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project
pitch, in a match watched by NFF General Secretary,
Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Technical Director, Mr.
Bitrus Bewarang and Assistant Director (Technical), Siji
Lagunju. Cynthia Aku and Patricia Innocent got the
other goals.
On Thursday, the Flamingoes pipped Confluence
Queens of Kogi 1-0 at the same venue, thanks to
Cynthia Aku who slotted in after the Queens’ goaltender
failed to deal appropriately with a fierce shot by Captain
Ajibade.
Against QFL (Queens Football League) All-Stars on
Saturday, the Flamingoes went goal-wire, hitting the
opposition 8-1. Ajibade was on song with a hat –trick,
while Folashade Ijamilusi and Chidinma Okeke hit a
brace each, and Cynthia Aku scored once.
Coach Nikyu said: “These matches have shown us
exactly where we are, and we will continue to work on
our weak areas. Our target is to ensure that the girls
play as a team, have good control of the ball and
achieve better coordination on the field.
“We are also working on their confidence level. They
need to approach each game with a level of confidence,
without under –rating any team. Certainly, we are
going to play more friendly matches before the World
Cup.”
Nigeria will tackle Brazil, England and 2008 champions
Korea DPR in the group stage at the 5th FIFA U17
Women’s World Cup, taking place in Jordan 30th
September – 21st October 2016. The Flamingoes’ first
match is against Brazil on 1st October – Nigeria’s
Independence Day.