Nigeria’s Flamingos Soar High, Crush Algeria 4–0 In World Cup Qualifier Showdown

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, lit up Ikenne with a dazzling performance on Saturday, hammering Algeria 4-0 in the first leg of the final round of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

It was a statement victory at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ogun State, as Queen Joseph stole the spotlight, grabbing a sensational brace, while Zainab Raji and Aishat Animashaun each added their names to the scoresheet.

Joseph wasted no time setting the tone, scoring within the first minute of play to give Nigeria the dream start. Barely 12 minutes later, Raji doubled the lead, sending the home fans into another frenzy.

Before the half-hour mark, Joseph was back at it again, coolly slotting in her second to make it 3-0. The Flamingos didn’t ease off the gas, and in the 90th minute, Animashaun sealed the emphatic win with a well-taken goal.

With a comfortable four-goal cushion, the Flamingos now travel to Blida, Algeria, for the second leg on Friday, April 25, with one foot firmly in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, which kicks off from October 17 to November 8.

Nigeria will look to finish the job and book their place among the 24 teams vying for global glory.