Because the 2025 FIFA U-17 Ladies’s World Cup enters its knockout part, Nigeria’s Queen Joseph has emerged as certainly one of Africa’s brightest younger forwards.
With three targets in three group-stage matches, the Flamingos’ No. 9 has drawn consideration to herself and to a Nigerian crew displaying regular enchancment in Morocco.
Golden Boot race takes form
Italy’s Giulia Galli leads the scoring chart with 5 targets, adopted intently by China’s Zhou Xinyi, america’ Nyanya Touray, and Spain’s Carlota Chacón with 4 every.
Joseph sits amongst a gaggle of gamers on three targets, together with USA’s Lauren Malsom, Brazil’s Giovanna Waksman, Paraguay’s Claudia Martínez, Korea DPR’s Yu Jong-hyang, Canada’s Julia Amireh, and Japan’s Noa Fukushima.
Her subsequent match presents a direct check towards Galli when Nigeria face Italy on Tuesday, October 28, in Rabat — a gathering that would form each the Golden Boot standings and Nigeria’s progress within the match.
From Lagos to the world stage
Joseph’s story displays the acquainted Nigerian soccer journey — one constructed on expertise, persistence, and alternative. A product of Fosla Academy, she made her mark in Lagos’ faculty competitions earlier than breaking into the nationwide setup. Her calm ending and work ethic have grow to be very important for the Flamingos.
Her three targets, together with a brace within the 4–0 win over Samoa, got here when the crew wanted a raise after back-to-back defeats to Canada and France. The win secured Nigeria’s place within the knockout rounds as top-of-the-line third-placed groups and restored perception in a squad decided to make historical past.
Joseph’s performances have symbolised that turnaround — sharp in entrance of purpose, composed underneath strain, and prepared to hold the crew when required.
Chasing a uncommon African milestone
Just one African has ever received the Golden Boot on the U-17 Ladies’s World Cup — Ghana’s Mukarama Abdulai, who scored seven targets in 2018.
The match’s previous winners embody Germany’s Dzsenifer Marozsán (2008), Spain’s Lorena Navarro (2016), and Venezuela’s Deyna Castellanos (2014), all of whom went on to symbolize their international locations on the senior stage.
For Joseph, matching such an organization could be a big private milestone and a proud second for Nigeria. It will additionally reinforce the nation’s fame for producing high quality forwards — from Mercy Akide and Asisat Oshoala to Rasheedat Ajibade.
Italian check awaits
Italy have been one of the constant groups in Morocco, topping Group A with three wins from three matches. Galli has been central to that success, scoring 5 targets and main from the entrance.
Nigeria’s assembly with the Italians, subsequently, carries each aggressive and symbolic worth: a contest between certainly one of Europe’s most medical sides and an African crew rediscovering its rhythm.
Whereas Galli thrives in structured build-up play, Joseph’s targets have come from intuition and fast motion in transition.
Her capability to use areas behind Italy’s disciplined backline might show decisive. Coach Bankole Olowookere shall be hoping his prime scorer finds the steadiness between aggression and endurance because the Flamingos purpose to advance to the quarterfinals.
Past the targets
Joseph’s performances have drawn consideration to Nigeria’s participant growth system, which continues to unearth promising skills regardless of restricted assets.
Her rise underscores the significance of grassroots academies and faculty competitions that preserve the nation’s soccer pipeline energetic.
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Underneath Olowookere, the Flamingos have centered on tactical self-discipline and collective effort. Joseph’s composure and motion have complemented that construction, permitting Nigeria to regain their attacking edge simply in time for the knockout rounds.
The ultimate phrase
At 17, Queen Joseph already represents greater than a rising star; she embodies the dedication of a younger Nigerian facet attempting to make its mark on the world stage. Her three targets have offered each confidence and momentum, however the journey forward stays demanding.
If she continues her type towards Italy, Joseph might transfer nearer to the Golden Boot whereas giving Nigeria one other shot at U-17 World Cup historical past.
Regardless of the consequence, her emergence has grow to be one of many match’s key tales — a reminder that Nigerian soccer continues to seek out gentle in its youth.
