Be ready to lose big – Nigeria’s Flamingos boss warns Algeria ahead of FIFA U17 World Cup qualifier

Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, are targeting a convincing victory over Algeria in the first leg of their final FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie, says head coach Bankole Olowookere, Soccernet.ng reports.

Coach Olowookere has also urged the Flamingos to maintain focus and intensity, and go all out to dominate their North African opponents.

The first leg will be played on Saturday, 19 April, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, as Nigeria aim to take a firm grip on the tie before the return leg in Algeria next week.

“The road to Morocco 2025 is almost complete, and we want to reduce the pressure of the return leg by securing a big win at home,” Olowookere told thenff.com ahead of the match.

“We have been working very hard to correct the lapses noticed in our last matches (against South Africa), and we believe we are in good form to achieve a handsome win here and then go all out in the second leg in Algeria.”

Despite Algeria’s growing promise, Nigeria enter this clash as heavy favourites.

The Flamingos are Africa’s most successful side at U17 level, having qualified for seven of the eight U17 Women’s World Cup tournaments since 2008.

They reached the quarter-finals five times and won bronze in 2022 — Africa’s first-ever podium finish in the competition.

Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying record is formidable: 20 wins, seven draws, and just one loss in 28 matches.

With Olowookere at the helm, and key players like Harmony Chidi, Shakirat Moshood, and Aishat Animashaun in top form, the Flamingos look poised for another strong display.

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• Match preview: Nigeria vs Algeria – Flamingos chase U17 World Cup spot against North African foes
• Nigeria vs Algeria: Flamingos ready for North African test as race for Morocco 2025 World Cup heats up
• Nigeria 2-0 South Africa (5-1 agg): Flamingos beat Bantwana to set up date with Algeria or Botswana

“I have always told the girls that no two matches are the same, so the fact that we beat South Africa home-and-away does not mean we will rest on our oars in this final round,” Olowookere added.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground, and keep working harder, bonding better and aiming higher. Our mission is to pick the FIFA World Cup ticket, and go to Morocco to make Nigeria proud.”

Algeria, by contrast, are still finding their rhythm in youth women’s football. They made their debut only in 2015 and have never qualified for a World Cup.

But their journey to this stage has shown determination, having eliminated Tunisia and Botswana in previous rounds.

Saturday’s match is the first-ever meeting between the two nations at U17 level. The return leg is set for 25 April at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida, with the aggregate winner booking a ticket to Morocco 2025.