U-17 WWCQ: Flamingos Head To Lome For Benin Return Leg

Nigeria’s Flamingos will depart Lagos for Lomé, Togo on Thursday for the decisive second leg of their final qualifying fixture against Benin Republic in the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Completesports.com reports.

Akeem Busari’s side will travel from Ikenne to Lagos on Thursday morning before boarding a flight from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Lomé, where Saturday’s crucial encounter will take place at the Stade de Kégué.

The Flamingos head into the return leg with a slender 3-2 advantage after edging Benin Republic in a thrilling first-leg contest at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne last weekend.

Queen Joseph, Zainab Adegbuyi and Ifeanyi Kindness were all on target for Nigeria, while Benin kept the tie alive with two away goals scored by Yenido Romaine Gandonou, and Nazifatou Dangui to ensure the contest remains finely balanced ahead of the return fixture.

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Despite holding the advantage, the Flamingos know they must produce another disciplined performance to overcome their West African neighbours and avoid any late drama in Lomé.

Benin have also drawn confidence from their spirited display in the first leg and will be hoping home support in neighbouring Togo can inspire a comeback.

The winners on aggregate will book one of Africa’s places at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Morocco.

The Flamingos have featured in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2008 except the 2018 finals. They finished third at the 2022 edition in India, becoming the first African team to win a medal at the competition.

By Adeboye Amosu