Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team are on the verge of qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a dominant 4-0 win over Algeria in the first leg of their final qualifying round, Footynaija.com reports.
In front of a lively crowd at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday evening, Queen Joseph scored twice, while Zainab Oluwaseun Raji and Aishat Animashaun also found the net in a one-sided contest that leaves the Flamingos in full control heading into the second leg.
It took just 60 seconds for Nigeria to stamp their authority, with Joseph opening the scoring after calmly slotting home a low cross inside the box.
The early goal unsettled the visitors, and Nigeria maintained a high tempo throughout the first half. Raji made it 2-0 in the 13th minute, reacting first to a loose ball in the area and firing home from close range.
Zainab Oluwaseun goal to double the lead for Nigeria Flamingos against Algeria U17 – 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/xiDG1CGTIP
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) April 19, 2025
Four minutes later, Joseph grabbed her second of the evening in sensational fashion — unleashing a thunderous strike from 25 yards that crashed in off the crossbar to leave the Algerian goalkeeper with no chance.
Queen Joseph 2nd goal for Nigeria Flamingos against Algeria U17 – 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/LM2DlxhmMm
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) April 19, 2025
Despite Algeria’s attempts to steady the ship after the break, the Flamingos kept pushing forward.
Their persistence was rewarded when Animashaun curled in a superb fourth goal from the edge of the box, sealing a commanding result.
Aishat Animashaun Goal for Nigeria Flamingos Against Algeria U17 – 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/bLte9c6ozw
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) April 19, 2025
The second leg will take place on April 25 at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida, with the aggregate winner booking a place at the tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria, who reached the quarter-finals of the previous edition in the Dominican Republic, are now just 90 minutes away from another World Cup adventure.