Nigeria’s Flamingos beat Benin to qualify for 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Benin 5-3 in the second-leg playoff match held in Togo. The victory gave Nigeria an 8-5 aggregate score over Benin, securing one of Africa’s four automatic qualification spots for the tournament, which will take place in Morocco from 17 October to 7 November. As host nation, Morocco has already secured its place, bringing the number of African representatives to five teams in the expanded 24-team competition. The match was played at a packed stadium in Togo, where the Flamingos showcased their attacking prowess and resilience. Nigeria took an early lead when forward Mark Akpan scored in the sixth minute. However, Benin quickly responded, equalizing just five minutes later through the efforts of striker Romaine Gandonou. The game remained tightly contested until the 15th minute, when Esther Enne Stephen restored the Nigerian lead. Queen Joseph extended the advantage four minutes later, putting Nigeria ahead 3-1. In the second half, Joseph continued her influential performance, scoring from the penalty spot nine minutes after halftime to make it 4-1. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Benin showed determination, reducing the gap with a goal from Hermionne Lokossou in the 56th minute. Gandonou added a penalty strike eight minutes later, keeping the match competitive. But Joseph sealed the victory with a hat-trick in the 76th minute, ensuring Nigeria’s advancement to the world stage. Throughout the qualification campaign, the Flamingos demonstrated exceptional form. In the second round, they defeated Guinea with an aggregate score of 11-0, winning 5-0 away and 6-0 at home. Key players such as Harmony Chidi, who scored five goals, and others including Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Mary Dunstan, and Precious Oscar contributed significantly to the success. Nigeria then faced Benin in a two-leg series, winning the first leg 3-2 in Ikenne before delivering a commanding performance in the return fixture. Benin, led by the standout performer Romaine Gandonou, put up a valiant effort. Gandonou finished the qualifiers with 11 goals, highlighting the rising talent in women's youth football across West Africa. His contribution was crucial in keeping the match competitive, even against a formidable Nigerian side. With qualification confirmed, the Flamingos aim to continue building on Nigeria’s strong history at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The team previously achieved their best-ever finish by winning the bronze medal in 2022 and reaching the quarter-finals in 2024. This latest triumph adds to their legacy and sets the stage for future international success. The journey to the World Cup has been marked by consistent performances and strategic planning. The Nigerian Football Federation has invested heavily in developing young female athletes, creating a pathway for emerging talents to shine on the global stage. With the upcoming World Cup serving as a platform for growth, the Flamingos are poised to represent Africa with pride and ambition.