Flamingos: Eto’o’s pep talk sparks Nigeria’s 3-1 triumph over South Africa

The Flamingos of Nigeria drew inspiration from a surprise meeting with Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o to secure a commanding 3-1 victory over South Africa’s Bantwana, Soccernet.ng reports.

The young Nigerian side, chasing a spot at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, arrived in South Africa determined, but their spirits received an extra boost when they met Eto’o at OR Tambo International Airport.

The four-time African Player of the Year shared words of encouragement with the squad, and his impact was evident on the pitch.

Eto’o meets with Flamingos [Photo credit/NFF]Shakirat Moshood wasted no time translating that motivation into action, putting Nigeria ahead in the 20th minute with a composed finish.

The Flamingos continued to dominate, and their relentless pressure paid off when a foul in the box led to a penalty. Harmony Chidi stepped up and calmly slotted home to double the advantage before halftime.

FULL TIME! in Pretoria

South Africa 1-3 Nigeria

⚽️ Malebana 47’ (Pen)

⚽Shakirat Moshood 20’

⚽Chidi Harmony 41’ (Pen)

⚽Chidi Harmony 68′

Our Flamingos take a first leg advantage to the second leg next week#U17WWCQ #IWD2025 #SoarFlamingos #RSANGA @thenff pic.twitter.com/ECk1dO17DG

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) March 8, 2025

Bantwana fought back after the break, winning a penalty of their own, which Malebana converted to keep the contest alive.

However, the Flamingos refused to be rattled, and in the 68th minute, Chidi struck again to restore Nigeria’s two-goal cushion, sealing a crucial first-leg win.

Nigeria’s Flamingos celebrates a goal. Photo Credit X
Now holding a strong advantage, the Flamingos will return home for the second leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo next Saturday where they aim to finish the job and move one step closer to securing a World Cup ticket.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories.

Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.