CurrentReport Blog Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, has moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after securing a 3-1 victory over South Africa in the first leg of the final qualification round. The match was played on Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, giving the Nigerian girls a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg next weekend in Ikenne, Nigeria.
Dominant First Half for Nigeria
The encounter began with both teams showing intent, but it was Nigeria who quickly took control of the game. In the 20th minute, Shakirat Moshood gave Nigeria the lead after a well-taken goal that put them in the driver’s seat early on. The Flamingos, who have been impressive throughout their qualifying campaign, maintained their dominance in the first half, keeping South Africa on the back foot.
With five minutes to go before the break, Nigeria doubled their advantage through forward Harmony Chidi. Chidi’s goal came from the penalty spot, a calm finish after a foul inside the box, giving Nigeria a 2-0 lead heading into halftime. At this point, the Flamingos were in a strong position to push for the 2025 World Cup, and they looked determined to keep up the pressure in the second half.
South Africa’s Fightback
The second half saw South Africa come out with renewed vigor, trying to claw their way back into the tie. They didn’t have to wait long before finding a way to get back into the game. Just two minutes after the break, South Africa was awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Team captain Katleho Malebana stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake, firing past the Nigerian goalkeeper to pull one back for the hosts.
At 2-1, the match was firmly back on, and South Africa began to believe that a comeback was possible. However, Nigeria’s Flamingos responded to the challenge with their typical resilience and attacking prowess.
Chidi’s Brace Puts Nigeria in Control
Harmony Chidi, who had already scored from the penalty spot, was once again in the right place at the right time to restore Nigeria’s two-goal lead. In the 68th minute, Chidi scored her second of the match, securing a 3-1 lead for the Flamingos. The clinical forward showed great composure to put Nigeria back in control, ensuring the team would head into the second leg with a healthy cushion.
Flamingos’ Advantage Heading into the Return Leg
With a 3-1 advantage, the Flamingos are now in a strong position to secure their spot in the final qualification round for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The second leg will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Nigeria. South Africa will need to produce a remarkable performance to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes alive for a place at the prestigious tournament.
The winner on aggregate will earn one of the final spots in the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in India. Both teams will be looking to book their tickets for the world’s biggest stage for youth women’s football, but Nigeria’s commanding performance in the first leg gives them a significant advantage heading into the crucial return match.
As the Flamingos head into the second leg with a two-goal lead, they will be focusing on maintaining their momentum and ensuring they finish the job. The team has shown great character and skill throughout the qualification process, and their 3-1 victory over South Africa is a testament to their strength and determination.
With players like Shakirat Moshood and Harmony Chidi leading the charge, Nigeria’s Flamingos are poised to qualify for their third consecutive U-17 Women’s World Cup. Their performance against South Africa will give them confidence as they prepare for the decisive return leg, knowing that a victory will seal their place at the 2025 tournament.
South Africa, on the other hand, will need to regroup and come up with a strong tactical response to overturn the deficit. The next match promises to be an exciting encounter, as both teams battle for a place in the U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos’ 3-1 victory in Pretoria has put them in a commanding position to secure qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. While South Africa will fight hard to turn the tie around, Nigeria’s dominance in the first leg has set them up for success. As both teams head into the second leg, all eyes will be on the clash in Ikenne next Saturday to see who will secure a spot in the world’s premier youth women’s football tournament.
