Flamingos set for World Cup spot in Blida showdown

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, are on the brink of securing a spot in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup as they prepare for the final leg of their qualifying match against Algeria in Blida on Friday night. The Flamingos hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg, played in Nigeria, and are optimistic about advancing to their eighth World Cup appearance.

The match will take place at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida, which is known for its chilly atmosphere, especially as the winds from the Mediterranean Sea pick up in the evening. Despite these conditions, the Flamingos are motivated and determined to finish the job.

The Nigerian team arrived in Algiers on Wednesday morning, after flying in from Istanbul. They are driven not only by the desire to qualify for the World Cup but also by the financial rewards promised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and billionaire businessman Kunle Soname.

Soname had previously rewarded the players with N4 million for their impressive 4-0 victory in the first leg, with the NFF contributing an additional N2 million. Both Soname and NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau have confirmed that the same financial incentives will apply for the second leg in Blida.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere emphasized the team’s focus on winning the World Cup ticket, noting that the financial rewards are an added motivation. “Our objective is clear – to win the FIFA World Cup ticket. That is the big motivation,” said Olowookere.

Olowookere is expected to rely on key players such as Queen Joseph, who scored two goals in the first leg, as well as Zainab Raji, Kaosarat Olanrewaju, and others in attack. Midfielders Shakirat Moshood, Muinat Rotimi, and Philomena Isaiah will provide crucial support, while goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma and defenders Azeezat Oduntan, Hannah Ibrahim, Christiana Sunday, and Jumai Adebayo are likely to feature in defense.

The Flamingos are ready for the challenge, and their sights are set on a spot in the 2025 World Cup, driven by a combination of motivation, strong team spirit, and financial incentives.