Flamingos Dominate Algeria 4–0, Edge Closer to World Cup Spot

A thrilling performance from Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team saw them crush Algeria 4–0 in the first leg of their final World Cup qualifying round on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Queen Joseph lit up the match barely a minute in, calmly slotting home a cross from inside the area to give Nigeria an early lead. The Algerian defence struggled to recover as the Flamingos ramped up the pressure.

By the 13th minute, Nigeria doubled their lead when Zainab Oluwaseun Raji found the net from close range following a well orchestrated team move. Just four minutes later, Joseph struck again this time with a thunderous 25 yard effort that slammed off the crossbar and in, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

Algeria’s attempts to steady the ship faltered in the second half, and Aishat Animashaun completed the rout with a sublime curling finish into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box.

With the return leg set for April 25 at Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida, the aggregate winner will secure a place at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Nigeria, who reached the quarter-finals at the previous edition in the Dominican Republic, carry a strong advantage into the decisive match.

Editorial

We cannot help but feel immense pride watching the Flamingos deliver such a commanding performance. Their energy, discipline, and attacking flair speak volumes about the quality of development in Nigeria’s women’s football scene. Matches like these do more than entertain they inspire a new generation of girls dreaming of pulling on that green jersey.

Let’s be honest: for too long, attention and resources have been skewed toward the men’s teams. Yet, time and again, the women step up and show us why they deserve more. Queen Joseph’s sharp finishing, Raji’s composure, and Animashaun’s flair all highlight the depth of talent we possess. It’s not just about winning matches it’s about changing perceptions.

The Flamingos didn’t just beat Algeria they dismantled them with technical precision and hunger. That sort of performance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a sign of good coaching, hard work, and an environment that allows talent to shine. The Nigerian Football Federation must now double down on this progress. Imagine what these young stars could achieve with even better facilities, mentorship, and international exposure.

We are at the brink of something beautiful. A convincing second-leg performance would put the Flamingos on the world stage once more. Let’s rally behind them. Let’s amplify their stories. And let’s keep believing in the potential of our girls to lead Nigerian football forward.

Did You Know?

1. The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was first held in 2008, with North Korea winning the inaugural edition.
2. Nigeria’s best finish at the U-17 Women’s World Cup was third place in 2022.
3. Stade Mustapha Tchaker, where the second leg will be played, has hosted numerous Algerian senior men’s national team matches.
4. Queen Joseph, the scorer of two goals in the match, has also featured in youth tournaments across West Africa.
5. The Flamingos’ coaching staff includes several former female players who have represented Nigeria at senior level.