Nigeria’s Flamingos produced another breathtaking attacking performance to defeat Benin Republic 5 to 3 and seal qualification for the 2026 FIFA U 17 Women’s World Cup, completing an entertaining 8 to 5 aggregate victory over their West African neighbours.
The decisive qualifying encounter, played at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, lived up to expectations as both teams displayed attacking intent from the opening whistle. While Benin fought courageously to overturn their first leg deficit, the Flamingos showed superior quality, clinical finishing and remarkable composure to secure another appearance at the global youth tournament.
Having won the first leg 3 to 2 in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria entered the return fixture with a slender advantage. However, coach Bankole Olowookere made it clear before kickoff that his players would not adopt a defensive approach. Instead, the Flamingos took the game to their opponents and were rewarded almost immediately.
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 6th minute through the impressive Mary Akpan Dunstan, who calmly finished after a flowing attacking move that exposed gaps in the Beninese defence. The early goal settled the Nigerian girls and immediately increased the pressure on Benin, who now needed multiple goals to revive their qualification hopes.
The Flamingos continued to dominate possession and doubled their advantage in the 14th minute when Esther Enen Stephen found space inside the penalty area before producing a composed finish beyond the Benin goalkeeper. At 2 to 0, Nigeria appeared firmly in control of both the match and the qualification race.
Rather than surrender, Benin responded with determination. Their attacking approach finally paid off when they reduced the deficit before halftime through a well worked move that caught the Nigerian defence off guard. The goal injected fresh belief into the Young Amazons and ensured the contest remained alive heading into the second half.
The restart produced another spell of exciting football as both sides searched for more goals. Nigeria restored their two goal cushion through Chisom Nwachukwu, whose powerful effort left the goalkeeper with little chance. The strike reflected the confidence flowing through the Flamingos as they continued to create chances with quick passing and intelligent movement.
Benin refused to back down and responded once again with another goal, capitalising on a defensive lapse to make the scoreline tighter. Their determination earned applause from the home supporters, but Nigeria’s attacking strength proved too much to handle.
The Flamingos struck again through Harmony Chidi, one of the team’s most consistent performers throughout the qualifying campaign. The talented forward demonstrated excellent composure inside the penalty area before finishing clinically to extend Nigeria’s lead.
Benin managed to pull another goal back during the closing stages in a spirited attempt to stage an unlikely comeback, but Nigeria had the final say.
Substitute Aishat Animashaun completed the scoring late in the contest with an excellent finish after a swift counterattack, sealing a deserved 5 to 3 victory and confirming Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA U 17 Women’s World Cup.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Nigerian players and coaching staff, who embraced on the pitch after successfully completing another qualification mission.
Coach Bankole Olowookere praised his players for maintaining their attacking philosophy despite carrying a first leg advantage. According to the experienced tactician, the Flamingos remained focused on winning the match rather than protecting their aggregate lead, a strategy that ultimately paid off.
The qualification extends Nigeria’s remarkable record in the FIFA U 17 Women’s World Cup. Since the competition was introduced, the Flamingos have consistently represented Africa with distinction and remain one of the continent’s most successful youth teams.
Their greatest achievement came at the 2022 tournament in India, where Nigeria won the bronze medal after defeating Germany in the third place playoff. That historic success made the Flamingos the first Nigerian women’s team to claim a medal at a FIFA competition and inspired greater investment in youth women’s football across the country.
Several players who represented the Flamingos in previous editions have progressed to the Falconets and eventually the Super Falcons, demonstrating the team’s importance in Nigeria’s football development pathway.
The latest qualification also highlights the Nigeria Football Federation’s continued commitment to nurturing young female talent. Over the years, grassroots competitions, youth academies and improved coaching programmes have produced several gifted footballers capable of competing at the highest level.
The expanded 2026 FIFA U 17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco will feature 24 nations from around the world, creating an even more competitive tournament. Nigeria will be among Africa’s representatives and will once again carry the hopes of millions of football fans eager to see the Flamingos challenge for the title.
Attention now turns to preparations for the tournament. The coaching crew is expected to organise international friendly matches and intensive training camps aimed at strengthening the squad before the competition begins later this year.
The thrilling victory over Benin demonstrated everything that has made this Flamingos team exciting to watch. Their pace, technical ability, attacking creativity and fighting spirit were on full display throughout both legs of the qualifier.
With talented youngsters continuing to emerge and confidence growing within the squad, the Flamingos will travel to Morocco believing they can build on their previous World Cup success. Their latest triumph is not only another qualification achievement but also a strong statement that Nigeria remains one of the leading forces in youth women’s football on the African continent.
