Nigeria’s U17 women’s team delivered a commanding performance in the first leg of their final qualifying round for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Algeria 4-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday.
The home side wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring three times within the opening 18 minutes to leave Algeria stunned and trailing early.
The Nigerian attack, relentless and precise, capitalised on defensive lapses from the visitors, putting coach Abdenour Mira’s side on the back foot almost immediately.
A fourth goal arrived in the 89th minute, ending any slim hopes of a late Algerian comeback and firmly placing Nigeria in control ahead of the second leg.
The result was a harsh but realistic reflection of the gap between the two teams on the day, with Nigeria demonstrating the pedigree that has made them one of Africa’s most consistent performers at youth level.
Despite the heavy scoreline, Algeria’s journey to this stage has been historic.
For the first time, the young Desert Foxes reached the final round of qualification — a feat that has not gone unnoticed.
While Saturday’s defeat was a tough lesson, coach Mira and his players will take heart from the overall progress made during the qualifying campaign.
Team captain Hanane Sehoul and her teammates now face a monumental task in the return leg, scheduled for next Friday at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida.
With four goals to overturn, Algeria’s hopes of reaching their first U17 Women’s World Cup hang in the balance.
But beyond the result, their run to the brink of qualification represents a significant step forward for women’s football in the country.
Competing at this level against seasoned opponents like Nigeria offers invaluable experience that could shape the future of the national team for years to come.
As for Nigeria, the job is far from over, but their dominant showing in Ikenne has put them in a commanding position to secure a place at the 2025 finals.
All eyes now turn to Blida, where Algeria will attempt to defy the odds and rewrite the script in front of their home crowd.
