Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, moved a step closer to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Benin Republic 3-2 in the first leg of their final qualifying tie at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Saturday, Boldsports report.
The closely contested encounter saw the Flamingos recover from an early setback before Kindness Ifeanyi’s decisive second-half strike handed Nigeria a narrow but valuable lead ahead of next week’s return leg. The aggregate winner will secure one of Africa’s qualification spots for the tournament in Morocco.
The victory extends another strong run for Akeem Busari’s side, who entered the decisive round after overwhelming Guinea 11-0 on aggregate in the previous stage. Nigeria recorded a 5-0 first-leg victory before completing the job with a commanding 6-0 win at home, underlining their attacking quality before facing Benin.
Benin also arrived with confidence after eliminating Sierra Leone 5-1 on aggregate, setting up a competitive final-round showdown between the two West African nations.
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The visitors stunned the home supporters in the 16th minute when Romaine Gandonou finished an impressive solo run to give Benin an early advantage.
Nigeria responded positively and restored parity nine minutes later. Queen Joseph climbed highest inside the penalty area to head home and make it 1-1 before halftime.
The Flamingos increased the pressure after the restart. Their efforts paid off in the 62nd minute when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi reacted quickest to tap home after the Benin goalkeeper pushed Kindness Ifeanyi’s initial effort into her path.
Benin refused to surrender and drew level once again through Nazifatou Dangui, ensuring the contest remained finely balanced.
However, Nigeria found the winning goal in the 75th minute. Kindness Ifeanyi reacted sharply inside the box and finished calmly to restore the Flamingos’ lead at 3-2, sealing an important first-leg victory.
Although the Flamingos hold a one-goal advantage, qualification remains open ahead of the return leg, scheduled for next week. Nigeria must avoid defeat on aggregate to book a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Morocco from 17 October to 8 November 2026.
Busari’s side will now aim to finish the job away from home and continue Nigeria’s strong tradition in FIFA’s U-17 women’s competition.
