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Algeria U-17 women’s head coach Abednour Mira insists his team will fight until the end despite a heavy 4-0 defeat to Nigeria in the first leg of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier, Footynaija.com reports.
The Flamingos dominated proceedings at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday, taking a commanding lead in the tie.
Queen Joseph scored twice, Zainab Oluwaseun added another, and substitute Aishat Animashaun rounded off a superb performance for the Nigerian side.
Nigeria Flamingos 4 vs 0 Algeria U17 – What A Game.
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) April 19, 2025
Just watch these stunning goals! My POV watching the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier.
⚽ Queen Joseph (1′, 17′)
⚽ Zainab Raji (13′)
⚽ Aishat Animashaun (90′)
2nd leg: April 25th in Algeria (8pm Time) pic.twitter.com/iDjPZiaDKL
Despite the result, Mira struck an optimistic tone post-match, expressing his gratitude to the Nigerian Football Federation for their hospitality and holding out hope for a dramatic second-leg comeback.
“Thank you for the welcome, thank you for the reception at the level of the NFF, either in reception or in restaurant, we were well taken care of so thank you,” Mira said.
“As for our performance, as we did with Botswana we lost 2-1 in the first leg and in the second leg, instead of another loss, we won 4-0 and we could have scored more than four,” he added.
Mira believes a turnaround is still possible: “Today’s performance, especially in the second half leaves me hoping for the second leg in Algeria, it will be better than this one. If we talk about Remontada, the logic is there, in football anything is possible.”
He acknowledged his side improved after the break, creating several chances that could have changed the game.
“We have our way of proceeding, we always have this motivation to exist on the field, not to give up, to give our best. In the second half we were better… we created opportunities either in corners or open play. With more luck, we could have scored at least one goal.”
Mira ended with a gracious nod to Nigeria’s strength: “It’s a shame for us but we don’t have to be ashamed in front of Nigeria who remain a favourite team always in the tournaments they play. Congratulations to Nigeria and thank you so much to the NFF for the reception.”
The decisive second leg takes place at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida on Friday, April 25.
