Flamingos Edge Benin To Book Place At 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after securing a thrilling 5-3 victory over Benin Republic at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Saturday.

Akeem Busari’s side advanced 8-5 on aggregate, having won the first leg of the final qualifying round 3-2 in Ikenne.

The Flamingos made a bright start to the encounter, with Mark Akpan opening the scoring after just six minutes.

Benin responded five minutes later through Romaine Gandonou, who restored parity for the hosts.

Nigeria, however, regained control of the contest before the interval. Esther Enne Stephen put the visitors back in front with a superb strike, before Queen Joseph added another fine goal to give the Flamingos a 3-1 lead at half-time.

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Joseph extended Nigeria’s advantage from the penalty spot nine minutes after the restart, putting the visitors firmly in command.

Benin refused to surrender and mounted a spirited comeback, with Hermionne Lokossou and Gandonou finding the net to reduce the deficit to 4-3.

The hosts pushed for another goal, but Joseph completed her hat-trick 14 minutes from time to seal an impressive away victory for the Flamingos.

The result confirmed Nigeria’s place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Morocco later in the year.

The Flamingos will now turn their attention to preparations for the global showpiece, where they will be aiming to build on their previous performances in the competition.

By Adeboye Amosu