The Flamingos of Nigeria made a bold and emphatic statement in their quest for a place at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, dismantling Algeria with a commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg of their qualifying tie at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
It was a performance full of flair, discipline, and purpose—qualities that will warm the hearts of fans hoping to see Nigeria’s next generation of female football stars shine on the global stage in the Dominican Republic next year.
The spotlight belonged to Queen Joseph, the dynamic forward who set the tone early with a clinical brace. It took just three minutes for Joseph to ignite the fireworks. A precise through-ball carved open the Algerian defense, and she calmly slotted home to put Nigeria ahead. Her second came in the 16th minute—a thunderous strike that doubled the lead and sent the home fans into raptures.
If Algeria had any hopes of recovery, they were quickly extinguished. In the 33rd minute, Zainab Oluwaseun capped off a fluid team move with a well-placed finish to make it 3-0. The goal was a product of slick passing and relentless pressing, hallmarks of this newly energized Flamingos side under Coach Bankole Olowookere.
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The game was not just about attack. The Flamingos’ defense stood tall, shutting down every Algerian attempt to find a way back into the game. The backline, organized and composed, made sure goalkeeper Chikamso Ibezimako had little to do.
Just when it seemed the scoreline was set, Aishat Animashaun added a fourth in injury time. Her late goal was the final blow in a dominant performance that leaves Nigeria with one foot firmly in the final round of qualifiers.
As the Flamingos prepare for the second leg in Algiers, the team knows the job isn’t quite done. But this 4-0 win has given them the breathing room and confidence to finish strong on the road.
Picture Credit: Justina Aniefiok
