Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will look to complete their march to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Friday when they face Algeria in the second leg of the final qualifying round.
Coach Bankole Olowookere girls hold a commanding 4-0 lead from the first leg and significant financial incentives awaiting them.
Nigeria, a dominant force in African women’s youth football, has qualified for all but one edition of the global tournament since its inception. Their record in World Cup qualifiers is near flawless—28 matches played, 27 victories, and just one defeat.
The Flamingos’ recent form reflects their pedigree. They have won six straight qualifying matches, scoring 21 goals and conceding only twice in that span.
Financial Motivation Adds to Stakes
Beyond the pursuit of a World Cup ticket, the players have been spurred on by financial rewards. Following the team’s 4-0 victory in the first leg, billionaire businessman Kunle Soname awarded the squad ₦4 million—₦1 million for each goal scored.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) followed with an additional ₦2 million bonus.
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Both Soname and NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau have confirmed that further rewards await the team if they complete the job in Algeria.
“Our objective is to secure qualification,” said head coach Bankole Olowookere. “But the added incentives have certainly motivated the team even more. They know what’s at stake.”
Team News and Key Players
The Flamingos will again be led by in-form forward Queen Joseph, who scored twice in the first leg while standing in for injured star Harmony Chidi. Chidi, who missed the opening match due to injury, has traveled with the team and may feature off the bench.
Queen Joseph celebrating her goal against Algeria in Ikenne. Photo Credit: X
Joseph is expected to start up front, supported by Zainab Raji and Kaosarat Olanrewaju. In midfield, Shakirat Moshood, Muinat Rotimi, and Philomena Isaiah provide both creativity and defensive cover.
Captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma will lead a backline featuring Azeezat Oduntan, Hannah Ibrahim, Christiana Sunday, and Jumai Adebayo.
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This will be only the second-ever meeting between Nigeria and Algeria at this level, and Algeria will need a near-perfect performance to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The Flamingos are aiming not just to qualify but to build on the momentum from their historic bronze-medal finish at the 2022 edition in India.
The return leg takes place in Blida on Friday, and for Nigeria’s young talents, the stakes are high—World Cup qualification, national pride, and millions in reward all hang in the balance.
