Nigeria and Zambia have officially booked their spots in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in the Dominican Republic from 16 October to 3 November 2024.
These victories highlight the prowess of African women’s youth football and set the stage for thrilling competition on the global stage.
Nigeria became the first African team to secure their place in the prestigious tournament after a dominant 6-1 aggregate victory over Liberia.
The Nigerians demonstrated their strength early on with a 4-1 away win last weekend. Backed by fervent home supporters in Abuja, Harmony Chidi’s brace secured a comfortable 2-0 victory in the return leg on Friday, 14 June.
This win ensured that Nigeria would be the first African nation to book their place in the finals.
The second African slot was claimed by Zambia, marking their return to the tournament after a decade-long absence. On Saturday, 15 June, Zambia showcased their talent in Ndola, where Namute Chileshe’s stunning hattrick led to a 3-1 victory over Morocco.
In the return leg held in Morocco, the Zambian defense held firm, resulting in a goalless stalemate. This defensive masterclass ensured Zambia’s progression to the global stage, becoming the second African nation to qualify.
The final African spot will be determined on Sunday, 16 June, in a clash between Kenya and Burundi. Kenya holds a significant advantage after a commanding 3-0 win in the first leg at home.
The winner of this tie will join Nigeria and Zambia in representing Africa at the U-17 Women’s World Cup.
These qualifications not only signify the competitive spirit and skill of African teams but also herald a new era of recognition and potential success for women’s football on the continent.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Nigeria, Zambia, and the final African representative to see how they fare against the world’s best in the Dominican Republic.
