Nigeria’s Flamingos qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Benin’s Amazons 5-3 in Lomé on Saturday, completing an 8-5 aggregate victory.
Coach Akeem Busari’s side secured qualification after building on last weekend’s 3-2 first-leg success in Ikenne, Ogun, with another commanding attacking display.
Nigeria struck first in the sixth minute through Mary Dustan, but Benin responded swiftly, levelling three minutes later to revive the fiercely contested encounter.
The Flamingos regained control through Ester Stephen’s 15th-minute strike before Queen Joseph extended the advantage in the 20th minute, giving Nigeria a commanding 3-1 lead.
Benin fought back impressively, scoring twice to reduce the deficit and threaten Nigeria’s qualification hopes before the visitors responded decisively.
The Flamingos added two more goals to complete an entertaining 5-3 victory, ending Benin’s resistance and confirming their place at the global tournament.
The aggregate triumph underlined Nigeria’s dominance across both qualifying matches, with Busari’s side scoring eight goals while conceding five over two legs.
“I’m proud of the players’ determination and attacking spirit. They showed resilience and deserved this qualification,” Busari said after the victory.
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from Oct. 17 to Nov. 7, featuring the world’s leading youth teams.
NAN
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