Morocco 2025: Flamingos intensify preparation with opponents Algeria set to land in Nigeria on Wednesday

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s Flamingos are intensifying their training. They are preparing for their crucial U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria. The first leg is set for this weekend at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.

The team, bronze medallists in the 2022 World Cup, is under Coach Bankole Olowookere. They have been at the Remo Stars Sports Institute since defeating South Africa last month.

Nigeria won against South Africa 3-1 in Pretoria. They then secured a 2-0 victory in Ikenne-Remo, winning 5-1 overall.

Algeria lost their first leg against Botswana 2-1 in Gaborone. However, they responded strongly, winning the return leg 4-0.

The Algerian squad will arrive in Lagos on Wednesday evening. Match officials are expected in Nigeria on Thursday.

Their senior team previously lost two friendlies to the Super Falcons in Nigeria.

Ugandan Shamirah Nabadda will referee the match, according to the Confederation of African Football. Fides Bangurambona from Burundi will be assistant referee 1. Immaculate Ongiera and Diana Murungi, also from Uganda, are assistant 2 and fourth official.

Naa Odofoley Nortey from Ghana is the commissioner. Deidre Carmill Zealand from South Africa will assess the referee.

The second leg will be at Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida on 25 April. The aggregate winner will qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.

Morocco will host this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup from 17 October to 8 November. Africa will have five teams in the expanded 24-nation tournament, including hosts Morocco.