Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, delivered a commanding 6-0 victory over Generation Next in a preparatory friendly, though the mismatch raised questions about the quality of opposition.
The encounter, played at the Goal Project in Abuja, saw the Flamingos dominate from the outset, racing to a 4-0 lead by half-time before heavy rain forced an early stoppage in the second half.
Shavih Istifanus set the tone with a goal inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa, as the team showcased attacking efficiency against a visibly overmatched opponent.
Further goals from Harmony Chidi, Aminat Adebisi, and Precious Paul completed the rout, underlining the team’s offensive depth but offering limited insight into their defensive resilience.
Head coach Akeem Ishola Busari, overseeing his first major assignment, has invited 36 players to camp as he looks to refine the squad ahead of competitive fixtures.
The team is currently preparing for a crucial two-legged qualifier against Guinea, with fixtures scheduled between May 22 and May 30.
While the victory boosts morale, critics argue that tougher opposition will be needed to truly assess the team’s readiness for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
