Nigeria's U17 women's national team, the Flamingos, have secured their place at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup after a commanding 5-3 victory over Benin Republic in the second leg of their final qualifying tie in Lomé, sealing an 8-5 aggregate triumph. The victory continues Nigeria's impressive record at the tournament, where they have consistently been one of Africa's strongest youth sides.
Fast Start Secures Early Control
According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Flamingos wasted little time asserting their dominance. Mary Dustan opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but Benin responded almost immediately to level the contest. However, Nigeria regained control through Esther Stephen before Queen Joseph added a third, handing the visitors a comfortable lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Holding a narrow 3-2 advantage from the first leg in Ikenne, Bankole Olowookere's side produced another attacking masterclass away from home.
Benin Fight Back but Nigeria Hold Firm
Benin refused to surrender and fought their way back into the match on several occasions, but Nigeria remained composed under pressure. Queen Joseph completed her brace in the 76th minute to wrap up a 5-3 victory, ensuring the Flamingos progressed with an emphatic 8-5 aggregate score. The qualification marks another milestone for Nigeria's youth development program.
Ghana Also Book World Cup Ticket
CAF reported that Nigeria will be joined in Morocco by West African rivals Ghana, who edged Senegal 7-6 on penalties after the two-legged contest ended 2-2 on aggregate. Senegal struck first through Mame Diarra Diallo before Seidatu Wahab restored parity for the Black Maidens before half-time. Neither side could find a winner after the break, forcing a dramatic shootout, where Ghana converted seven of their eight penalties to secure qualification. The victory sends both Nigeria and Ghana to Morocco later this year as Africa's representatives at the global tournament.
