Flamingos Secure FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Ticket Despite Tough Conditions in Algeria

Despite battling wintry conditions in Blida, on the outskirts of Algiers, Nigeria’s U17 girls stood firm on Friday night, earning a goalless draw that sealed their qualification for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

With a commanding 4-0 lead from the first leg, the 2002 bronze medallists maintained a composed and disciplined approach, absorbing the hosts’ pressure and countering with swift breaks. Although they created the better chances throughout the match, the Flamingos were unable to convert their dominance into goals — but the 4-0 aggregate was more than enough to secure their ticket to Morocco.

The foundation of their success was laid in the first leg, where Queen Joseph struck twice, and Zainab Raji and substitute Aisha Animashaun each added a goal to complete a resounding 4-0 victory.

The Flamingos will now join four other African teams, including hosts Morocco, at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which takes place from 17th October to 5th November. For the first time, the tournament will feature 24 teams.

Since the inception of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in 2008 in New Zealand, Nigeria have only missed qualification once — the 2018 edition in Uruguay.

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