From Five To Two: Nigeria And Ghana Carry Africa’S Hopes At The U-17 Women’S World Cup

Five African countries qualified for the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup, but only two progressed to the quarter-final stage. In this report, we analyse how Africa’s representatives have fared in the tournament so far.

Reliving The Historic Group Stage Outing

The host nation opened the campaign with an impressive 4-0 victory over New Zealand, giving the other African representatives hope and confidence.

The hosts didn’t just win; they played quality football — pressing, passing, dribbling, and shooting with precision. After 90 minutes of action, the Atlas Lionesses found the back of the net four times, much to the delight of many Africans.

The story was completely different when Nigeria faced Poland in their opening fixture, as the West African side fell to a 2-1 defeat. Though Nigeria’s U-17 girls played to their physical strength and power, the Polish side were more technical and tactically disciplined. They converted their chances and secured a famous victory over coach Hakeem Busari and his young girls.

After the Flamingos’ shock defeat, Africans turned their attention to Ghana, hoping for a better result. But that wasn’t the case, as the Black Maidens suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Norway, a side that had never won a game in the tournament’s history.

Things went from bad to worse when Japan thrashed Zambia 5-0 in the first Group D game. The Asian side took the lead as early as the 9th minute before doubling the tally just four minutes later.

Kenya wrapped up Africa’s disappointing opening-round outing with another 3-0 defeat, this time to China, leaving Morocco with the only victory in the first round of matches.

The second round was better, as Nigeria won their game against Puerto Rico 2-0 while Ghana recorded a famous 3-3 draw against Brazil. Morocco were thrashed 4-2 by Germany, Kenya lost 6-1 to the USA, and Zambia narrowly lost 3-2 to Venezuela.

After the second round of games, Zambia’s fate was sealed as one of the teams to leave the tournament at the group stage. As for Nigeria, the Flamingos needed a victory, a draw, or a slim defeat against Korea DPR to progress. Morocco had to avoid a big-margin defeat, while Ghana needed a victory to stand any chance in the final group game.

Interestingly, Nigeria pulled off a 3-1 surprise victory over the defending Champions, North Korea, to progress to the Round of 16. The result also ended the Asian side’s long unbeaten run in regulation time at the tournament. Ghana also recorded a famous 2-0 win against Canada to remain in the competition.

Despite losing 5-1 to Argentina, host nation Morocco made the round as one of the best four third-placed teams. Kenya thrashed Samoa 4-0 to make the next round as one of the best third-placed sides too.

In the end, Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana, and Kenya progressed to the Round of 16, while Zambia were sent packing. It was the first time in the tournament’s history that four African nations reached the last 16.

Round of 16: Two Progressed; Two Fell On The Way

Morocco opened the knockout round with a massive defeat to Korea DPR, who beat them 6-0 in front of their own fans. The Asian youngsters needed just six minutes to break the deadlock, through Yu Jong-hyang.

The defending champions were ruthless in attack, especially in the first half, in which they found the back of the net on four occasions. Morocco’s defence couldn’t withstand the pressure, as costly errors led to several of the goals. Besides, the Koreans were stronger and more physical than the home side, who were hugely poor on the night.

On the contrary, Nigeria continued their newfound winning rhythm and form, beating Mexico 2-1 on Thursday. El Tri started like a house on fire, threatening early through Citlalli Reyes, but goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho stood firm in the Nigerian goal.

Goals from Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan ensured Nigeria qualified for the quarter-final, where they will tackle Venezuela. 

Ghana, the third African nation to play in the round, tackled Argentina for a place among the last eight teams. The Black Maidens took an early lead and were reduced to ten players late on, before Argentina equalised to make it 1-1. Ghana held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out and won 5-4 to reach the quarter-finals for the fifth time in their history.

Kenya, the fourth African side, had a historic run but could not go any further. The Junior Starlets took the lead through Brenda Achieng in the 30th minute, but Japan fought back to win 3-1 and book a quarter-final date with Ghana.

Quarter-Final: What Does The Future Hold For The Remaining Two African Sides?

With Zambia, Morocco, and Kenya out of the competition, Africa’s hopes now rest on the shoulders of Nigeria and Ghana as both sides will be in action on Sunday, 1 November. 

Nigeria’s Flamingos have a bright chance of beating Venezuela if they maintain their current form and mentality. After an opening-day defeat to Poland, the girls responded impressively by stunning the defending champions Korea DPR, and seeing off Mexico in the knockout round. 

Though Venezuela who knocked out Germany in the last 16 are a disciplined side, a place in the semi-finals is well within reach if the Flamingos stay focused for the full 90 minutes and keep their composure at the back. 

As for Ghana, defeating Japan looks tough, but nothing is impossible. The Japanese have reached at least the quarter-finals in every edition of the tournament, and they will come into the game on the back of a comeback win. 

However, the Black Maidens have shown plenty of fight after their heavy opening defeat. If they can bring that same spirit and sharpen their finishing, an upset is possible.

Final Verdict 

Africa’s journey at the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup has been a story of highs and lows. A disappointing opening round gave way to a historic round-of-16 achievement. 

Sadly, the knockout round was unforgiving as only Nigeria and Ghana remain. As it stands, the continent’s attention will turn to Nigeria and Ghana. 

If the Flamingos and the Black Maidens can build on their recent form, Africa could have two representatives in the last four.

Italoye Ibukun