The 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers reach their thrilling climax, with U17 women’s team of Nigeria (Flamingos) set to face Algeria in a high-stakes contest for a spot in Morocco.
The first leg of this crucial encounter will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Nigeria.
The Road to Morocco: Nigeria’s U17 Women Poised for Glory
Nigeria’s U17 women have a reputation to uphold at the global level. With a remarkable history in the competition, the Flamingos are aiming for yet another World Cup appearance.
Nigeria has participated in seven of the eight editions since 2008, and their track record is impressive.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Reaching the quarterfinals five times, they achieved their best result in 2022, finishing in third place, marking Africa’s first-ever medal finish in the U17 Women’s World Cup.
Their dominance in qualification is equally noteworthy, with 20 wins, seven draws, and only one defeat in 28 qualifiers since the competition’s inception.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Under the guidance of Coach Bankole Olowookere, the team enters this final qualification match with confidence, having recently dispatched South Africa 5-1 on aggregate in the previous round.
Algeria: The Underdogs with a Point to Prove
In contrast, Algeria’s U17 women are relative newcomers to this level of competition. Making their debut in 2015, they are still searching for their first-ever World Cup appearance.
This matchup marks their first-ever meeting with Nigeria, and while they’re the underdogs, Algeria cannot be written off.
The team demonstrated resilience in their qualifiers, edging Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate and overcoming Botswana 5-2.
READ MORE:dont-write-him-off-chelseas-scout-backs-iheanacho-to-bounce-back-big
Despite their lack of experience, Algeria has shown the ability to challenge stronger teams, and their hunger for an upset will make them a formidable opponent.
However, facing the Flamingos on Nigerian soil will be a tough challenge. The Algerian senior team already learned the hard way when they lost back-to-back friendlies to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in 2024.
The Prize: Morocco Awaits
The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the winner over the two-legged tie will secure one of Africa’s five qualifying spots for the 2025 U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The first leg is set to take place on April 19, while the return match will be held in Blida, Algeria on April 25.
Meanwhile, other African nations are battling for the remaining World Cup spots. Cameroon will take on Kenya, Zambia faces Benin, and Ivory Coast will square off against Guinea in their own qualification matches.
