New Zealand to Face Nigeria in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Opener

Auckland, New Zealand – New Zealand’s Young Football Ferns are set to embark on their 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup journey, opening their campaign against formidable opponents Nigeria tomorrow. This marks the continuation of New Zealand’s remarkable achievement of competing in every FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 2008.

Having secured their spot in the tournament through a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fiji in the 2023 OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, courtesy of a late strike from forward Katie Pugh, the New Zealand team is poised to face stiff competition in the group stage.

Leadership and Experience
Head coach Alana Gunn, a prominent figure in New Zealand football, will lead the squad. Gunn, renowned for her successful six-season tenure with Canterbury United Pride in the National League, has cultivated several Football Ferns, including Kate Taylor and Gabi Rennie. Her experience and tactical acumen will be vital in guiding this young squad through a challenging group.

Group A Battles
Drawn in Group A, New Zealand’s first test will be against Nigeria, who secured third place at the 2022 tournament and boast an aggressive style of play. The Young Football Ferns will need to be on high alert as they face Nigeria’s attacking powerhouse, Harmony Chidi, who led African qualifiers with 12 goals in just six games.

New Zealand will also face hosts Dominican Republic and debutants Ecuador in their other group matches, making the path to the knockout stages a formidable challenge.

Coach Gunn remains optimistic, stating, “We know the quality of opposition we’re up against, but we’ve prepared well, and the girls are excited to represent New Zealand on the world stage.”

Match Schedule

•   Thursday, 17 October – New Zealand vs Nigeria, 9 AM (NZT)
•   Sunday, 20 October – New Zealand vs Dominican Republic, 12 PM (NZT)
•   Wednesday, 23 October – New Zealand vs Ecuador, 12 PM (NZT)

Squad Overview
The 21-player New Zealand squad features a blend of domestic and international talent, including seven players from the squad that triumphed in the 2024 OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Fiji. Key players to watch include Golden Boot winner Laura Bennett and Golden Ball recipient Pia Vlok, alongside team captain Alyssha Eglinton.

Full Squad:

•   Mikaela Bangalan (Fencibles United)
•   Grace Bartlett (Wellington Phoenix)
•   Laura Bennett (Melville United)
•   Mary Brown (FC Bulleen Lions, Australia)
•   Sophie Campbell (Hamilton Wanderers)
•   Katie Chellenbron (Milton Keynes Dons, England)
•   Amber De Wit (Nomads United)
•   Charli Dunn (Western Springs)
•   Alyssha Eglinton (Wellington Phoenix) – Captain
•   Emily Humphrey (Wellington Phoenix)
•   Ela Jerez (Wellington Phoenix)
•   Millee Loxton (Fencibles United)
•   Charley March (Hibiscus Coast)
•   Kyra Morgan (Western Suburbs)
•   Harriet Muller (Moturoa)
•   Brooke Neary (Wellington Phoenix)
•   Katie Pugh (Wellington Phoenix)
•   Maddison Sawkins (Gungahlin United, Australia)
•   Hannah Saxon (Eastern Suburbs)
•   Pia Vlok (Auckland United)
•   Natalie Young (Hamilton Wanderers)

As the Young Football Ferns step onto the global stage, the eyes of New Zealand football fans will be on this talented squad, hoping to see them make their mark at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Tags: New Zealand U-17 Women’s Football, Alana Gunn, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024, Nigeria vs New Zealand, Young Football Ferns
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