Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, are intensifying preparations ahead of their crucial FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Algeria.
The first leg will take place this weekend at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.
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Led by Coach Bankole Olowookere, the 2022 World Cup bronze medalists have been training at the Remo Stars Sports Institute since they defeated South Africa in the previous round.
The Flamingos secured a convincing 5-1 aggregate win over the South Africans, winning 3-1 in Pretoria and 2-0 in Ikenne.
Algeria, on the other hand, bounced back from a 2-1 first-leg defeat to Botswana in Gaborone with an emphatic 4-0 victory in the return leg to reach this stage.
The Algerian team is scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday evening, with match officials expected on Thursday.
The officiating team will be led by Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda. She will be assisted by Burundi’s Fides Bangurambona (assistant referee 1), and Ugandans Immaculate Ongiera (assistant referee 2) and Diana Murungi (fourth official). Ghana’s Naa Odofoley Nortey will serve as match commissioner, while South Africa’s Deidre Carmill Zealand will be the referee assessor.
The second leg is slated for April 25 at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida, Algeria. The winner over both legs will book a place at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.
This year’s tournament will be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 8. With an expanded 24-nation format, Africa will be represented by five teams, including the host nation.
