Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, inched closer to an eighth appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup with a 4-0 win over Algeria on Saturday in Ikenne-Remo.
A brace from Queen Joseph and goals from Zainab Raji and substitute Aishat Animashaun sealed the first-leg advantage.
The hosts got off to a dream start, opening the scoring just one minute in. Philomena Isaiah’s corner was smartly cut back into the box, where Joseph smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure, with Joseph, Raji, Muinat Rotimi, Kaosarat Olanrewaju, and Shakirat Moshood relentless in attack.
In the 13th minute, Raji doubled the lead with a stunning solo effort, receiving a clever pass from Moshood, beating two defenders, and rifling into the top corner. Four minutes later, Joseph struck again with a powerful finish after gliding into the box unchallenged.
Algeria showed more intent in the second half through captain Zaza Rebbahi, Layana Belgacem, Mehdi Assia, Thania Ammar Parmentier and Melissa Benchikh, but the Nigerian defence held firm.
As the crowd, which included NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and top officials, prepared to celebrate a 3-0 win, Animashaun added a fourth with a superb long-range effort in stoppage time that left Algerian goalkeeper Amelia Yahiaoui rooted.
After the match, Gusau announced N6 million cash reward for the team: N2 million from the NFF and N4 million from Remo Stars owner, Hon. Kunle Soname.
He urged the girls to finish the job in the return leg in Blida and secure Nigeria’s ticket to the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The second leg will take place at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida on Friday. The aggregate winner will qualify as one of Africa’s five representatives at the tournament.
