With steely resolve and a blistering 4-0 first-leg lead, Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, are set to conquer the cold winds of Blida and soar into their eighth FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup appearance.
On Friday night, under the Mediterranean breeze at Stade Mustapha Tchaker, they face Algeria in the final leg of the qualifying series.
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The Flamingos—bronze medalists in 2022 and quarter-finalists in the Dominican Republic—have their sights firmly set on the finish line, boosted by both national pride and substantial financial incentives.
Following their dominant win at home, billionaire Kunle Soname rewarded them with N4 million, while the NFF added another N2 million. The same rewards await them if they deliver again in Algeria.
Head Coach Bankole Olowookere, a veteran of two World Cup campaigns, will likely stick with his winning formula—featuring star attackers Queen Joseph, Zainab Raji, and Kaosarat Olanrewaju. With a midfield trio that knows how to create magic and a rock-solid defense led by goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma, the team looks primed for victory.
“It’s about more than just money—it’s legacy, it’s passion, it’s the World Cup,” said Olowookere. “We’re ready.”
CAF has appointed Cameroonian referee Marie Noelle Etong and a diverse officiating team for the match. Despite the weather and the pressure, all signs point to one conclusion: the Flamingos are ready to fly.
Don’t blink. Nigeria’s future stars are writing their next chapter—Friday night, under the lights of Blida.
