Eight nations. Eight journeys. Eight dreams of reaching Morocco for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup this October.

This weekend, in Ndola, Abidjan, Nairobi, and Ikenne, African women’s football enters its decisive phase, as the final round of qualifiers kicks off.

And each match-up brings its own tension, narrative, and ambition.

Zambia v Benin:

Zambia continues its rise in youth football. Quarter-finalists at the last U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, the Copper Princesses enter this final round with greater maturity and confidence.

Backed by continuity in the coaching staff, Zambia hopes to seize a commanding advantage in the first leg. Playing at home in the familiar Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, the pressure won’t faze them — but the stakes are high: avoid being caught off-guard by Benin’s momentum.

Their opponents, Benin, represent the bold underdog. Disciplined and opportunistic, the Beninese eliminated Mali in the last round with little fanfare but great effectiveness. They now believe another upset is possible. With physical presence and direct play, they can hurt teams. The mental battle will be crucial: absorb Zambia’s waves of pressure and strike with precision. If they leave Ndola with a respectable scoreline, all will be to play for in the second leg.

Nigeria v Algeria:

Quarter-finalists at the last World Cup, the Flamingos enter the tie with a commanding reputation. On home soil, in a stadium they know intimately, Nigeria aims to settle the contest early. With an experienced core, fluid style, and international poise, the hosts are determined to avoid late drama and underline their status as continental leaders.

Algeria, meanwhile, arrives without pressure. Less structured but full of ambition, this young group is evolving quickly. Aware of the challenge, they see it as a valuable opportunity. Away from home and with few certainties, they will rely on their strengths — boldness, vertical play, and relentless spirit.

Kenya v Cameroon: two visions, one showdown

Newcomers to the continental scene, Kenya’s U-17 Harambee Starlets are turning heads. Buoyed by home support and youthful energy, they hope to carry their dream through this historic qualifier. But against Cameroon, passion alone won’t be enough. They’ll need composure, tactical accuracy, and the ability to manage high and low moments.

Cameroon, a seasoned force in African football, won’t leave room for improvisation. Preparation has been meticulous. The Lionesses are expected to bring physical intensity, territorial control, and clinical finishing. Their biggest threat: underestimating a fearless Kenyan side writing its own history.

Côte d’Ivoire v Guinea: Regional derby under pressure

This regional clash promises fireworks in Abidjan. Côte d’Ivoire v Guinea — two neighbours, two rebuilding projects, two contrasting styles. Backed by a rejuvenated home crowd and serious preparation, the Ivorian U-17s are looking to strike early and hard. For months, this team has been building quietly but with purpose. Now, on their turf, they have a chance to make a statement.

Guinea remains unpredictable. At times, they can be devastating. With pace, strong transitions, and the element of surprise, they thrive in the shadows. Lesser known, they may use that to their advantage. The key for Guinea: stay emotionally composed in Abidjan and return to Conakry with a fighting chance.

The Fixtures

SATURDAY

• Nigeria v Algeria: Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne  – 15:00 GMT
• Zambia v Benin: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola – 13:00 GMT

SUNDAY

• Kenya v Cameroon: Nyayo National Stadium , Nairobi– 20 April – 12:00 GMT
• Côte d’Ivoire v Guinea: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan – 18:00 GMT

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere said on Friday that Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, will aspire to win big in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg encounter against their Algerian counterparts on Saturday, to reduce the pressure ahead of next week’s return leg duel in North Africa.

“We have been working very hard to correct the lapses noticed in our last matches (against South Africa), and we believe we are in good form to achieve a handsome win here and then go all out in the second leg in Algeria,” Olowookere told thenff.com.

“I have always told the girls that no two matches are the same, so the fact that we beat South Africa home-and-away does not mean we will rest on our oars in this final round. We have to keep our feet on the ground, and keep working harder, bonding better and aiming higher. Our mission is to pick the FIFA World Cup ticket and go to Morocco to make Nigeria proud.”

Saturday’s encounter comes up at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, where the Flamingos turned back South Africa’s Bantwana 2-0 following a 3-1 hammering of the latter in Pretoria. It is also the same venue where the Super Falcons defeated their Algerian counterparts 2-0 in a friendly match in October last year.

Olowookere will unleash forward Harmony Chidi (now on 16 goals in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, including the 13 she scored on the way to the finals in the Dominican Republic last year), midfielder Shakirat Moshood (who scored four goals at the last FIFA World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic and also opened the floodgates against South Africa in Pretoria) and Aishat Animashaun (who was among the scorers against the Bantwana last month) on the Algerians in order to achieve his objective.

The return is scheduled for the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida (outside Algeria) on Friday, 25^th April.

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will take place in Morocco, 17^th October – 5^th November.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

 The Zambia women’s national team have removed their four U.S.-based players from the squad for a tournament in China due to concerns over U.S. travel measures, the Zambia FA said on Wednesday.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga said captain Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya and Grace Chanda would not be available owing to additional travel measures introduced by the new administration in the U.S.

“After working through the process instigated by recently introduced measures it was decided that it is in the best interest of our players to skip this assignment,” Kamanga said in a statement.

“They will definitely be available for future assignments as they were for the last window when we played Malawi.”

Zambia begin their tournament against Thailand on Saturday.

-Reuters

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H