Nigeria Flamingos Qualify for 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup After Thrilling 8-5 Aggregate Win Over Benin

Nigeria Flamingos Qualify for 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup After Thrilling 8-5 Aggregate Win Over Benin

Description:bNigeria's Flamingos have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after defeating Benin Republic 8-5 on aggregate. Read the full match report, goals, and tournament details.

Nigeria Flamingos Qualify for 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup After Dramatic 8-5 Aggregate Victory Over Benin

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have officially booked their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Benin Republic 5-3 in a thrilling second-leg qualifier at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.

The impressive victory sealed an 8-5 aggregate triumph, earning Nigeria one of Africa’s qualification spots for the global tournament set to be hosted in Morocco.

Flamingos Complete Brilliant Comeback to Reach World Cup

Heading into the decisive second leg, Nigeria held a slim 3-2 advantage from the first meeting at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Despite strong resistance from Benin, the Flamingos showcased their attacking quality once again, producing an entertaining performance that confirmed their status as one of Africa's strongest youth teams.

Mary Akpan Dunstan opened the scoring in the 6th minute, giving Nigeria the perfect start before Esther Enne Stephen doubled the lead just eight minutes later.

Star forward Queen Joseph stole the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick, scoring in the 20th, 54th, and 75th minutes to put the match beyond Benin's reach.

Benin refused to go down without a fight as Romaine Gandonou scored twice, in the 9th and 64th minutes, while Hermionne Lokossou added another goal in the 56th minute. However, Nigeria maintained control to secure a memorable 5-3 victory on the night.

First Leg Recap

The first leg in Ikenne was equally dramatic.

Benin shocked the home supporters when Romaine Gandonou opened the scoring before Queen Joseph restored parity with a well-taken header.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the lead after halftime, but Nazifatou Dangui equalized once again for Benin. Kindness Ifeanyi eventually scored the decisive late winner to hand the Flamingos a crucial 3-2 first-leg advantage.

Nigeria Headed to Morocco 2026

With the qualification secured, the Flamingos will now represent Nigeria at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.

The expanded tournament will feature 24 teams, with Morocco qualifying automatically as hosts, while Nigeria joins the continent's representatives after another successful qualification campaign.

The Flamingos will now shift their focus to preparing for the biggest stage in youth women's football as they aim to challenge for the world title.

Congratulations to the Flamingos on another outstanding achievement!

>>> What are your expectations for Nigeria at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup? Can the Flamingos win the trophy this time? Share your predictions in the comments below, and don't forget to like, share, and follow for more breaking Nigerian football news and updates.