Flamingos Target Big Win To Seal World Cup Ticket
Head coach of Nigeria’s U17 girls football team, Bankole Olowookere, said that the Flamingos will aspire to win big in their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg encounter against their Algerian counterparts on Saturday, in order to reduce the pressure ahead of next week’s return leg duel in North Africa.
Saturday’s encounter comes up at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, where the Flamingos turned back South Africa’s Bantwana 2-0 following a 3-1 hammering of the latter in Pretoria. It is also the same venue where the Super Falcons defeated their Algerian counterparts 2-0 in a friendly match in October last year.
“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,” Olowookere said in an interview.
“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.”
” 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,” he added.
Olowookere will unleash forward Harmony Chidi, who has 16 goals in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, including the 13 she scored on the way to the finals in the Dominican Republic last year. Also, midfielder Shakirat Moshood and Aishat Animashaun will feature against the Algerians in order to achieve his objective.
On home soil, in a stadium they know intimately, Nigeria aims to settle the contest early. With an experienced core, fluid style and international poise, the hosts are determined to avoid late drama and underline their status as continental leaders.
Algeria, meanwhile, arrives without pressure. Less structured but full of ambition, this young group is evolving quickly. Aware of the challenge, they see it as a valuable opportunity. Away from home and with few certainties, they will rely on their strengths — boldness, vertical play, and relentless spirit.
The return match is scheduled for the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida (outside Algeria) on Friday, 25th April.
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