The eighth edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup kicks off on Wednesday with three African teams set to hoist the continent’s flags in Dominican Republic.
Nigeria, Zambia and Kenya have earned the rights to represent Africa at the age grade Mundial, which is scheduled to take place from October 16 – November 3, 2024.
With the kick off just hours away, Afrosport provides a full insight into the three teams, highlighting their journeys in the qualifiers and their history in the competition.
16 teams, one trophy. 🏆
The #U17WWC kicks off in Dominican Republic today! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/36g6G90r8c
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 16, 2024
How did they qualify for the U17 Women’s World Cup?
Nigeria: The Flamingos sealed a berth in the U17 Women’s World Cup finals by securing a 6-1 win over Liberia. They recorded a 4-1 win in the first leg before securing a 2-0 victory in the return fixture in Abuja.
Zambia: The Copper Princesses return to the Mundial after a ten-year absence by recording a famous 3-1 aggregate win over Morocco. After a goalless draw in the first leg in North Africa, they dug deep to secure a ticket to the tournament.
Kenya: A 5-0 aggregate win over Burundi ensured the Harambee Starlets qualified for the first time. A 3-0 away win was followed by a 2-0 triumph in Nairobi.
What is their history in the competition?
Nigeria: The Flamingos are the most experienced of the three African contingents, with this being their seventh outing in the competition. In their six previous outings, Nigeria endured their best outing last time out in India when they finished third in the 2022 edition.
Zambia: The Copper Princesses are heading to their second outing the Mundial, having made their debut in 2014 in Costa Rica, where they failed to make it out of the group stages.
Kenya: The newbies of the three, the Harambee Starlets are making their debut in the tournament, which marks a memorable moment in the country’s football development.
What groups are the three teams drawn in?
Nigeria: The Flamingos, who were in Pot 3 during the draws, are drawn in Group A alongside hosts and debutants Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand.
Zambia: Like Nigeria, Zambia were in Pot 3, but they are drawn in Group D against three-time quarter-finalists Brazil, debutants Poland, and 2014 winners Japan.
Kenya: The Harambee Starlets were in Pot 4, and have been drawn against England, Mexico, and two-time winners North Korea in Group C.
One final look at the groups before the #U17WWC gets underway tomorrow! 🙌#UnleashYourPassion
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 15, 2024
When and who do they play?
Nigeria (Group A)
Nigeria vs. New Zealand: October 16
Nigeria vs. Ecuador: October 20
Nigeria vs. Dominican Republic: October 23
Kenya (Group C)
Kenya vs. North Korea: October 17
Kenya vs. Mexico: October 20
Kenya vs. England: October 23
Zambia (Group D)
Zambia vs. Japan: October 17
Zambia vs. Poland: October 20
Zambia vs. Brazil: October 23
🇳🇬💚#U17WWC pic.twitter.com/OGpaocLN4w
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 15, 2024
Who are the key players to look out for?
Harmony Chidi (Nigeria): The Imo Strikers lethal forward was an ever-present figure in the qualifiers for the Flamingos, scoring five goals to help them secure a spot in the Mundial.
Namute Chileshe (Zambia): Chileshe was crucial to everything the Copper Princesses did in the qualifiers, where the forward found the back of the net four times along with completing 15 dribbles.
Pearl Mungai (Kenya): The midfield maestro was a joy to watch throughout the qualifying rounds as she showcased her balance and presence, completed 78% of her passes, scoring three goals, while making eight tackles.
Who are the coaches?
Nigeria: Bankole Olowookere
Zambia: Carol Kanyemba
Kenya: Mildred Cheche
