Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, sealed their place at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a resilient goalless draw against Algeria on Friday night in Blida, near the capital city Algiers.
Carrying a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg, the 2008 World Cup bronze medallists displayed composure and tactical discipline, effectively absorbing pressure from the hosts while launching occasional counter-attacks.
Despite creating better chances on a chilly night, the Flamingos could not convert their dominance into goals. However, their solid performance ensured they booked their ticket to Morocco with a comfortable 4-0 aggregate win.
The decisive margin was built in the first leg in Abuja, where Queen Joseph netted a brace, while Zainab Raji and substitute Aishat Animashaun each added a goal to secure the commanding result.
The Flamingos will now join Africa’s contingent — including hosts Morocco — at the expanded 24-team FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals, set for 17 October to 5 November 2024.
Nigeria has been a consistent force at the tournament, missing qualification only once since the competition’s inception in 2008.
