After her dazzling performance at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, Shakirat Moshood is back and ready to lead Nigeria’s charge for glory once again.
It took just 90 seconds for Moshood to make her mark at the tournament, becoming the first goalscorer of the competition as Nigeria opened their campaign with a 4–1 win over New Zealand. The 16-year-old’s finesse and instinct in front of goal were evident from the outset.
Moshood continued to shine in the Caribbean, scoring twice in Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Ecuador and netting the winner in a 1–0 triumph against hosts Dominican Republic. Even a quarter-final exit at the hands of the USA couldn’t dampen the buzz surrounding the young striker from Ibadan, Oyo State.
Now 17, Moshood remains eligible for the next edition of the tournament and is set to return to the international stage at Morocco 2025. Speaking to FIFA in an exclusive interview, she shared her excitement and determination:
“Playing in this competition again means a lot to me. Since my first World Cup, I’ve been working on myself. At my second World Cup, I know I’ll achieve great things again.”
Moshood finished the 2024 tournament with four goals—just one shy of Spain’s Pau Comendador, who claimed the adidas Golden Boot. Her current form suggests she’s ready to go even further.
“I’m still playing for Bayelsa Queens,” she said. “We competed in the WAFU Zone B qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League, and I was the top scorer in the group. I’m focused on scoring more goals and improving the quality of my finishes.”
Coach Bankole Olowookere has placed his faith in Moshood, handing her the captain’s armband and backing her to lead the Flamingos to new heights.
“I’m different from last year,” Moshood reflected. “I use my World Cup experience to encourage my teammates. I tell them to work hard after training and do personal workouts to stay fit.”
Nicknamed “Shaki,” Moshood is a clear contender for the Golden Boot in Morocco and isn’t shy about her ambitions:
“I want to score more than four goals. I want to lift the trophy and make Nigeria proud. We have the quality. Our style uses the width of the pitch, and we know when to shoot, pass, and dribble. With the coach’s guidance, I believe we can win it.”
Beyond Morocco, Moshood has her sights set on the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™, despite not yet featuring at U-20 or senior level.
“Yes, I think it’s possible to play in 2027, but my game will speak for itself.”
A strong showing in Morocco could be the springboard Moshood needs to launch her international career and fulfill her dream of representing Nigeria on the world’s biggest stage.