Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team have advanced to the final round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after securing a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the second leg of their tie on Saturday, Footynaija.com reports.
The result at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne sealed a 5-1 aggregate win, setting up a decisive clash against either Algeria or Botswana.
Having already claimed a 3-1 first-leg win in Pretoria last week, the Flamingos finished the job in front of their home crowd, thanks to goals from Harmony Chidi and Aishat Animashaun.
Chidi, the star of the first leg with a brace, once again proved instrumental. The teenage forward broke the deadlock just before halftime, rising highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Shakirat Moshood.
South Africa put up a spirited fight, determined to avoid a heavy defeat, but Nigeria’s attacking pressure remained relentless.
Shortly after the break, Nigeria doubled their lead in stunning fashion. Animashaun unleashed a powerful long-range strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the South African goalkeeper helpless.
Moshood nearly extended the lead further with a spectacular effort from distance, only to see her shot rattle the crossbar.
With the victory secured, Nigeria now await the outcome of the Botswana-Algeria tie to determine their final-round opponent.
Botswana hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, with the return fixture set to take place later tonight.
The winner of that contest will face the Flamingos for a place at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.