By Victor Kanayo
Ahead of the 2024 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Kenya and Zambia have qualified to represent Africa.
The biennial soccer event is scheduled between October 16 and November 3, 2024.
The competition will feature the three African teams alongside England, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, the United States, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Korea DPR, Korea Republic and hosts Dominican Republic.
This was confirmed by FIFA after round of qualifiers few days ago.
At the 8th edition of the global event, Nigeria will be one of the favourites from Africa, having participated in six of the seven previous editions of the finals.
Zambia also raised their hand as worthy contenders after seeing off stiff competition, including Morocco enroute to qualification.
But the biggest surprise comes from Kenya who will participate in the finals for the first time.
Kenya etched their name in African women’s football history by becoming the latest team to qualify for the first time in the Women’s U-17 category.
The Harambee Starlets secured their maiden ticket by triumphing over Burundi 2-0 in Nairobi, sealing a 5-0 aggregate victory.
This remarkable feat will see them grace the global finals for the first time.
Nigeria’s Flamingos qualified for the final showpiece defeating Liberia 6-1 on aggregate.
The West African Powerhouse won the first leg 4-1 away in Monrovia and wrapped up qualification 2-0 at home in Abuja; during the second leg on Friday 14, 2024.
Zambia will return to the global stage 10 years after their last participation.
The Copper Princesses dashed Morocco’s hopes with a 3-1 aggregate victory, despite a barren draw on Saturday 15, 2024 in Morocco.
