Time and where to watch Flamingos 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup opener

Don't sleep, check out when the Flamingos of Nigeria take on New Zealand in their 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup opener

Nigeria's under-17 women's national football team known as the Flamingos are set to return to action on the pitch.

The Flamingos recently recorded a 1-1 draw against their counterparts from Mexico in a friendly match played in the Dominican Republic.

The tutored team by coach Bankole Olowookere, utilized the friendly match as practice for the 2024 FIFA U-17 women's World Cup.

At the 2022 FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup in India, Flamingos finished third and will aim to be better in this edition.

Flamingos captain Taiwo Afolabi has tipped this current squad to do better at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup than the Bronze medal at the last edition.

Flamingos captain compares eras

Captain Taiwo Afolabi was part of the team at the World Cup two years ago.

In an interview with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Afolabi stated that this Flamingos team aims to do better against that the previous squad.

She said, "Well, no, for comparison, different team with different system and this particular team are good for the system as well in life in all, in all.

"We need to aim, I the last as we want brush.

Nigeria's Flamingos won Golden Bronze in India Flamingos captain Taiwo Afolabi has tipped this current squad to do better at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup than the Bronze medal at the last edition.

"I see this thing surpassing what we did last year and hopefully we bring the call back home.

"We will pick ourselves as a family.

"So I don't have any problem with the girls.

Flamingos captain Taiwo Afolabi has tipped this current squad to do better at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup than the Bronze medal at the last edition.

"I see them as my family, both on and off.

"I played at the last World Cup in India and I always tell them my experience."

Nigeria are in Group A with hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand and will open their campaign against New Zealand on October 16, 2024.

Nigeria's under-17 women's national football team known as the Flamingos are set to return to action on the pitch.

Here is a preview of their upcoming opening fixture against New Zealand.

Nigeria's Flamingos preview

The Flamingos recorded a 1-1 draw against their counterparts from Mexico in a friendly match played in the Dominican Republic early on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

The tutored team by coach Bankole Olowookere, utilized the friendly match as practice for the FIFA U-17 women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic this year.

Nigeria are in Group A with hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand and will open their campaign against New Zealand on October 16, 2024.

At the 2022 FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup in India, Flamingos finished third and will aim to be better in this edition.

Nigeria vs New Zealand preview

The 2024 edition will get underway in Santiago de los Caballeros with two tournament regulars.

Nigeria has only failed to qualify for the Uruguay 2018 U-17 Women's World Cup, while New Zealand has participated in all of them.

When the teams met in India 2022, the African nation prevailed 4-0, and the youthful Football Ferns will aim to make this a far more competitive match.

Harmony Chidi star player for Nigeria's Flamingos

Harmony Chidi embodies the attacking mentality of the Flamingos, idolizing Victor Osimhen, and title hopes for Nigeria ahead of their opening match against New Zealand.

Without a doubt, Nigeria is traveling to the Dominican Republic in order to return home with the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.

Harmony Chidi is one of the strongest weapons at the competition for the Flamingos, who placed third at India 2022 to win a medal for the first time.

In addition to helping her country reach the finals, the in-form forward scored 12 goals in qualifying—including two hat-tricks and at least one goal in every game—to rank first in all six confederations.

New Zealand squad named for October’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

A group of 21 players were been selected by head coach Alana Gunn to compete for New Zealand at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

Three members of the team play overseas in Australia and England, while the other eighteen are located in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The team that won the OFC U-16 Women's Championship 2023 in Tahiti, which qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2024, included thirteen players, including Laura Bennett, who scored ten goals and earned the tournament's Golden Boot award.

New Zealand squad

Mikaela Bangalan – Fencibles United, Grace Bartlett – Wellington Phoenix, Laura Bennett – Melville United, Mary Brown – FC Bulleen Lions, Sophie Campbell – Hamilton Wanderers, Katie Chellenbron – Milton Keynes Dons, Amber De Wit – Nomads United, Charli Dunn – Western Springs and Alyssha Eglinton – Wellington Phoenix.

Others are Emily Humphrey – Wellington Phoenix, Ela Jerez – Wellington Phoenix, Millee Loxton – Fencibles United, Charley March – Hibiscus Coast, Kyra Morgan – Western Suburbs and Harriet Muller – Moturoa.

Brooke Neary – Wellington Phoenix, Katie Pugh – Wellington Phoenix, Maddison Sawkins – Gungahlin United, Hannah Saxon – Eastern Suburbs, Pia Vlok – Auckland United and Natalie Young – Hamilton Wanderers.

Flamingos for 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup

Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens)

Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels)

Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy)

Forwards: Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens)

Time and where to watch Nigeria vs New Zealand

The game between the Flamingos of Nigeria and the counterparts of New Zealand is set for Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

The Flamingos face hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador and New Zealand in their group.

Scheduled for the Cibao Stadium, the game will kick off at 9 P Nigerian time and be available on FIFA plus and StarTimes.