Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, fought hard to beat Benin Republic’s young Amazons 3-2 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Saturday. This win gives them a good advantage going into the second leg of the final round of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The Benin team shocked the home fans in the 16th minute. Romaine Gandonou scored after a great solo run, putting Benin ahead early. But Nigeria quickly equalized five minutes later. Queen Joseph headed the ball home to make it 1-1.
After halftime, the Flamingos took charge. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi scored in the 62nd minute, tapping in from close range after Kindness Ifeanyi’s shot was saved by the Benin goalkeeper.
Benin responded with Nazifatou Dangui, who leveled the game at 2-2. But Ifeanyi was quick to react in the 75th minute inside the box. She scored to give Nigeria a 3-2 lead and secure an important home win.
Head coach Akeem Busari said before the game that he expected a tough match. The return leg is set for July 11 in Benin Republic, with one of Africa’s four spots for the Morocco finals at stake.
“When it comes to the U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, it is always a tough contest. Nigeria has always been a strong contender, so it is always a battle,” Busari said before the match.
Nigeria entered the final round after a huge 11-0 win over Guinea. They also won three warm-up matches without letting in a goal. Captain Harmony Chidi scored five times in the matches against Guinea. Chidi was confident about their preparations ahead of the first leg.
“We have worked so hard and our coaches have given us everything. We believe in ourselves, and we want to make Nigerians proud,” Chidi said.
In other matches of the final round of African qualifying, Senegal faces Ghana, Zambia plays against Ethiopia, and South Africa competes with Kenya for the remaining spots at the global finals.
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