Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, took a giant stride towards securing their eighth FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance with a resounding 4-0 victory over Algeria in the first leg of their final qualifying match. The match, played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, saw the Flamingos dominate from the opening whistle, showcasing their attacking prowess and leaving the Algerian side reeling. Head coach Bankole Olowookere, brimming with pride after the match, expressed his gratitude to God and the Nigerian fans for their unwavering support, highlighting the team’s determination to secure a comfortable win at home and reduce the pressure in the return leg.
The Flamingos’ early dominance was evident from the first minute when Queen Joseph capitalized on a corner kick, smashing the ball into the net to give Nigeria an immediate lead. This set the tone for the remainder of the match as the Nigerian girls continued to press forward, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Joseph, alongside teammates Zainab Raji, Muinat Rotimi, Kaosarat Olanrewaju, and Shakirat Moshood, relentlessly attacked the Algerian defense, showcasing their skill and teamwork. The pressure paid off as Raji doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 13th minute with a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving the Algerian goalkeeper helpless.
Joseph further cemented her dominance with a stunning second goal in the 17th minute, completing her brace and extending Nigeria’s lead to a commanding 3-0. Her ability to navigate through the Algerian defense and unleash powerful shots showcased her talent and composure. The Algerian side struggled to contain the Flamingos’ relentless attacks, and their defense appeared overwhelmed by the Nigerian team’s speed and precision. Even as the match neared its conclusion, the Flamingos’ determination remained unyielding. Substitute Aishat Animashaun added a final flourish with a sublime long-range shot in the closing moments, securing a 4-0 victory and sending a clear message to their Algerian counterparts.
The emphatic victory ignited celebrations both on and off the field. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, impressed by the Flamingos’ performance, announced a cash reward of N6 million for the team, with N2 million coming from the NFF and N4 million as a personal gift from billionaire businessman Hon. Kunle Soname. This gesture underscored the significance of the victory and the growing support for women’s football in Nigeria. Gusau also urged the girls to maintain their focus and determination in the second leg, emphasizing the importance of securing the World Cup ticket.
Coach Olowookere’s pre-match comments revealed the team’s strategic approach to the two-legged tie. He emphasized the importance of a strong home performance to ease the pressure in the return leg. The team had diligently addressed the shortcomings observed in their previous matches against South Africa, and their hard work clearly paid off. The resounding victory against Algeria positions them favorably for qualification, and the team is confident in their ability to finish the job in the away leg. The Flamingos have a rich history in the U-17 Women’s World Cup, having participated in seven of the eight previous tournaments. Under Olowookere’s tutelage, they achieved a historic bronze medal finish in 2022 in India, marking their best performance and Africa’s best result in the tournament.
The return leg, scheduled to be played at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida, Algeria, will determine which team progresses to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. While the Flamingos hold a significant advantage, they are expected to maintain their focus and avoid complacency. The World Cup, expanded to a 24-nation tournament, will be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 8, 2025, with Africa represented by five teams, including the host nation. The Flamingos are determined to be among those representing the continent and showcasing their talent on the global stage. Their impressive performance against Algeria demonstrates their potential to make a significant impact at the tournament.
