By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Nigeria’s Flamingos sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with an emphatic 5-3 victory over Benin Republic in the second leg of their final qualifying tie at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Saturday.
Akeem Busari’s side completed an 8-5 aggregate triumph, having edged the first leg 3-2 in Ikenne last weekend, to book their place at the global showpiece in Morocco.
The Flamingos made a blistering start to the encounter, taking the lead in the sixth minute through Mark Akpan. Benin responded swiftly, with Romaine Gandonou drawing the hosts level five minutes later.
Nigeria quickly regained control and went into the interval with a comfortable 3-1 advantage after superb strikes from Esther Enen Stephen and Queen Joseph.
Joseph extended the Flamingos’ lead from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half, putting the visitors firmly in command.
Benin refused to surrender without a fight, reducing the deficit through Hermionne Lokossou before Gandonou grabbed her second of the match to make it 4-3 and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.
However, Joseph completed her hat-trick in the 76th minute to restore Nigeria’s two-goal cushion and put the result beyond doubt.
The victory confirmed the Flamingos’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where they will aim to build on their impressive performances from previous editions of the competition.
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