Flamingos Step Up Preparations Ahead of World Cup Qualifier Against Algeria
Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have stepped up preparations for their crucial FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Algeria this Saturday.
The match, which will be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, is the first leg of the final qualifying round. A win will move Nigeria closer to securing one of Africa’s five spots at the World Cup in Morocco later this year.
The team, led by head coach Bankole Olowookere, has been camped at the Remo Stars Sports Institute since their impressive performance against South Africa in the previous round. The Flamingos won that tie with a 5-1 aggregate score, beating South Africa 3-1 away and 2-0 at home.
Their next opponents, Algeria, are expected to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday evening, full of confidence after overcoming Botswana. Despite losing 2-1 in the first leg away, the Algerians bounced back strongly to win the return leg 4-0 and book their place in the final round.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Shamirah Nabadda from Uganda as the referee for Saturday’s game. She will be supported by fellow Ugandans Immaculate Ongiera and Diana Murungi, with Fides Bangurambona from Burundi as assistant referee 1. Ghana’s Naa Odofoley Nortey will act as match commissioner, while South Africa’s Deidre Carmill Zealand will serve as referee assessor.
Algeria’s senior women’s team were beaten twice by Nigeria’s Super Falcons in friendly matches last year, but their U17 side will be hoping to make history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria, on the other hand, are regulars at the tournament, having taken part in seven of the eight previous editions. They achieved their best finish in 2022, when they reached the semi-finals and beat the United States on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The second leg of this final qualifier will take place on Friday, 25 April, at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida, Algeria.
The winner of the tie on aggregate will join Morocco, the host nation, and three other African teams at the World Cup, which runs from 17 October to 8 November 2025.
