Nigeria opens FIFA U17 World Cup campaign with huge win, Kenya prepares for England test

By Peter Ochieng

The 2024 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup kicked off on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in the Dominican Republic, with three African teams on stage to showcase what the continent is made of.

Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia are seeking to make their mark on the global stage, in what has been touted as celebrating the growth of women's football across the continent.

Kenya’s Junior Starlets, the first team from the East African nation to qualify for any FIFA tournament face England on October 18, 2024 in a group C opener.

The match kicks off at 2am East African time, at the Estadio Cibao. It will be broadcast live on FIFA platforms.

Kenya made history by qualifying for the first time, beating Burundi 5-0 on aggregate, with a 2-0 victory in Nairobi to confirm their place.

The Flamingos of Nigeria secured their spot after defeating Liberia 6-1 on aggregate. A 4-1 victory in the first leg and a 2-0 win in Abuja sealed their qualification.

On the other hand, Zambia’s Copper Princesses triumphed 3-1 on aggregate against Morocco, with a 0-0 draw in the final leg in Morocco ensuring their return to the global stage after a ten-year absence.

Nigeria thrashed New Zealand in a group A opener. Defending champions Spain defeated USA 3-1 in a group B match, while hosts, the Dominican Republic went down 0-2 against Ecuador in another group A match.

Former Champions South Korea drew 1-1 against Colombia in Group B’s other match. Youth and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Kenyans to rally behind the Junior Starlets.

“For the first time ever, Kenya is taking part in a FIFA World Cup of any kind. This historic achievement is a source of immense national pride, with the team blazing a trail for future generations,” he said.

“Let’s rally behind this team as they go to battle and fly the Kenyan flag on the grandest stage of football. Junior Starlets, bring the trophy home!”

FIFA U17 Women's World Cup groups:

Group A: Dominican Republic, Nigeria, New Zealand, Ecuador

Group B: Spain, Colombia, USA, South Korea

Group C: Kenya, Mexico, North Korea, England Group

Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia The final will be played on November 03, 2024.