Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Benin Republic 5-3 in the second leg of the final qualifying round in Lomé, Togo, Boldsports report.
The victory sealed an 8-5 aggregate success for Coach Akeem Busari’s side and confirmed Nigeria as one of Africa’s four representatives at the tournament in Morocco.
The Flamingos entered the return leg with a slender 3-2 advantage from the first meeting in Ikenne. They had also reached the final qualifying round after overwhelming Guinea 11-0 on aggregate. Queen Joseph continued her outstanding scoring form by delivering a memorable hat-trick, underlining her importance to the team’s World Cup qualification campaign.
Nigeria wasted little time asserting control. Mary Akpan broke the deadlock in the sixth minute before Benin replied almost immediately through Romaine Gandonou.
The Flamingos restored their lead in the 15th minute when Esther Enne Stephen found the net. Four minutes later, Queen Joseph made it 3-1 to put Nigeria firmly in command before the break.
Joseph struck again from the penalty spot in the 54th minute to extend the visitors’ advantage. Benin refused to surrender, as Hermionne Lokossou reduced the deficit before Gandonou converted a penalty to make it 4-3.
Any hopes of a comeback disappeared in the 76th minute when Joseph completed her hat-trick, wrapping up a thrilling victory and securing Nigeria’s place at the global finals.
The qualification continues Nigeria’s impressive record at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and highlights the steady progress of the country’s women’s youth programme under Akeem Busari.
The 2026 tournament will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, with the Flamingos joining the hosts and the other successful African qualifiers in the expanded 24-team competition.
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