Flamingos Qualify for 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup After Thrilling Victory Over Benin

Flamingos Qualify for 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup After Thrilling Victory Over Benin

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Benin Republic 5-3 in a thrilling second-leg encounter at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The victory sealed an 8-5 aggregate triumph for the Flamingos, who advanced from the final round of the CAF qualifiers to claim one of Africa’s four qualification slots for the global tournament.

Nigeria entered the decisive fixture holding a narrow 3-2 advantage from the first leg and produced another impressive attacking display to confirm their place at the tournament in Morocco.

Mary Akpan Dunstan opened the scoring for the Flamingos in the sixth minute before Esther Enne Stephen doubled the lead eight minutes later. Queen Joseph delivered a standout performance with a clinical hat-trick, finding the net in the 20th, 54th and 75th minutes.

Benin fought back through Romaine Gandonou, who scored in the ninth and 64th minutes, while Hermionne Lokossou added a goal in the 56th minute. However, Nigeria maintained their composure to secure victory and complete an entertaining qualification campaign.

Second-Leg Result

- Benin 3-5 Nigeria

Benin Scorers:

- Romaine Gandonou (9', 64')

- Hermionne Lokossou (56')

Nigeria Scorers:

- Mary Akpan Dunstan (6')

- Esther Enne Stephen (14')

- Queen Joseph (20', 54', 75')

Aggregate Score: Nigeria 8-5 Benin.

The result confirms Nigeria’s place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Morocco from 17 October to 7 November 2026. The Flamingos will be among Africa’s representatives alongside host nation Morocco, with the continent represented by five teams at the expanded 24-nation tournament.

Nigeria will now turn its attention to preparations for the World Cup, where the Flamingos will aim to build on their strong performances on the continental stage and compete for global honours.