The Flamingos of Nigeria defied wintry conditions in Blida on Friday night to hold Algeria to a 0-0 draw and qualify for this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Leading 4-0 from last Saturday’s first leg in Ikenne-Remo, the 2002 bronze medallists defended solidly and soaked up the expected pressure from the hosts, relying on fast breaks to try and hurt their opponents.
Although they created the better chances on the night, the Flamingos failed to score, but it was not a problem as they secured the ticket to the World Cup in Morocco on a 4-0 aggregate win.
In the first leg, a brace by Queen Joseph, and one goal each by Zainab Raji and substitute Aishat Animashaun led to the comfortable victory in Ikenne-Remo.
The Flamingos will now be one of Africa’s five representatives (including hosts Morocco) at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup taking place from October 17 to November 5.
The tournament will have 24 teams for the first time.
Since the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008, Nigeria have failed to qualify only once – for the 2018 edition hosted by Uruguay.
