As Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, head into their second-leg clash against Algeria in the final round of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)President Ibrahim Gusau has revealed to Exclusivenews.com.ng the reason behind the cash reward he extended to the team
Ibrahim Musa Gusau, revealed he promised the team N500,000 for every goal scored in the first leg of the tie against Algeria to encourage the girls to deliver a commanding performance. The incentive, he said, was a strategic move to make the return leg in Algeria less daunting.
“The performance of the girls has been overwhelming. They have remained consistent throughout the qualifiers,” Gusau told Exclusivenews.com.ng. “I wanted them to score more goals to ease the pressure ahead of the second leg. They came out strong and netted beautiful, undisputed goals. The motivation approach really paid off.”
The Flamingos responded in style, securing a 4-0 victory in the first leg played in Nigeria. Queen Joseph bagged a brace, while Zainab Raji and Aishat Animashaun added one goal each, giving the Nigerian side a commanding lead heading into Friday’s decisive match in Bilda.
Beyond the NFF’s N2 million reward, billionaire businessman and Remo Stars FC owner, Kunle Soname, further boosted the team’s spirit with a generous donation of N4 million.
Coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls are now firmly focused on securing their place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to hold later this year in Morocco. With one foot already in the tournament, Gusau expressed confidence not just in qualification, but in the team surpassing their previous achievements on the global stage.
The overall winner of the two-legged tie will book a coveted ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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