Barely a year after lighting up the world at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Shakirat Moshood is once again at the heart of Nigeria’s quest for international success. The 17-year-old forward, one of the brightest young stars in African football, is set to lead the Flamingos at the upcoming Morocco 2025 tournament with confidence and maturity beyond her years.
Football began for Moshood as a playful hobby on the streets of Ibadan, but it quickly became a passion.
“At first, it was just for fun,” she said. “But as I grew older, I realised this was more than a hobby—it was my purpose.”
Her family and early coaches were key to her rise, offering unwavering support and encouragement.
Moshood’s breakthrough came at the 2024 U-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where she scored the opening goal of the tournament just 81 seconds into Nigeria’s match against New Zealand. She went on to net three more goals before Nigeria’s quarter-final exit against the United States.
Her performances didn’t go unnoticed. The young striker carried that momentum into club football with Bayelsa Queens, where she finished as top scorer at the WAFU B qualifiers and guided her team to the CAF Women’s Champions League final.
“It means a lot—it shows my hard work is paying off,” she said with pride.
Her consistency earned her a spot in the Team of the Tournament, a recognition she describes as a “dream come true.”
Moshood credits Bayelsa Queens for shaping her into the player she is today:
“The club feels like family. They gave me the platform to grow.”
Ahead of Morocco 2025, her goals are clear:
“To score more goals, help my team go far, and make Nigerians proud.”
Despite growing fame, she remains humble and focused on improvement, working on her finishing, strength, and decision-making.
Her dream is to one day play for the Super Falcons and shine in Europe with a top club.
From Ibadan’s dusty pitches to international arenas, Shakirat Moshood’s journey is a story of faith, hard work, and determination. She stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s next generation—bold, talented, and ready to conquer the world.
