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Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere insists Nigeria will not underestimate Algeria when both nations clash in the third round of the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria, a powerhouse in African women’s football, will host the first leg of the crucial double-header at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday, 19 April, with kick-off set for 4:00 pm Nigerian time. The return fixture is scheduled for Friday, 25 April, in Blida, Algeria.
Despite being overwhelming favourites, Olowookere says his players are focused and fully aware of the threat Algeria poses.
“We will not take them for granted. They have their game plan, and we have ours, all that matters to us is to win,” Olowookere said in an interview with sports journalist Victor Ademola.
We Won’t Take Algeria U17 Lightly — Our Goal Is the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup – Nigeria U17 Coach Olowookere Bankole
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) April 18, 2025
Part 1/2 (Full Video Below) pic.twitter.com/922c8C0LtK
“They managed to qualify to this level. They’ve won two games and they’ve completed upsets, so they’re in the game. It’s a competition.”
Nigeria’s dominance in U-17 women’s football is undisputed.
The Flamingos have qualified for seven of the eight World Cup editions since 2008, with their finest hour coming in 2022 when they defeated the USA in a dramatic shootout and went on to secure a historic bronze – Africa’s first podium finish in the tournament.
In 28 qualification matches since inception, Nigeria have recorded 20 wins, seven draws, and just a single defeat – away to Ghana in 2008.
Algeria U17 Final Training Session – Nigeria Flamingos vs Algeria U17 – 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) April 18, 2025
(Part 1/2) Full Video in Comments pic.twitter.com/y2w3k56jea
Maintaining their pedigree, the Flamingos defeated South Africa home and away in the previous round and look set to tame the Algerians, who knocked out Tunisia and Botswana in earlier qualifiers.
“We’ve tried to look at the videos of our two-legged match against South Africa and make corrections where there are mistakes,” Olowookere noted.
“We watched our opponents’ game as well – their match against Botswana. We’ve seen their strengths and we’re working on a way of curtailing them.”
He concluded with a call to action for fans: “We are here to win and we want the same with our fellow Nigerians who are planning to come in their numbers to watch us on Saturday. We’re working towards winning and by the grace of God, we shall get it.”
Our sisters, Flamingos set to take on Algeria in the first leg of the final round pf Morocco 2025 U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers!
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) April 18, 2025
The young ladies take turns to declare their readiness to win in Ikenne on Saturday #U17WWCQ #NGAALG #SoarFlamingoes pic.twitter.com/JgYUKkR0z9
Algeria, yet to feature at a U-17 Women’s World Cup, stand one upset away from making history. But against a Nigerian side boasting pedigree, talent, and momentum, the North Africans face the ultimate test.
