LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Nigeria U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Benin Republic in a pulsating encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
The match, which was the first leg of the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, kept fans on the edge of their seats with end-to-end action and five goals shared between the two sides.
Benin struck first in the 14th minute through Romaine Gandonou, however, Nigeria responded swiftly as Queen Joseph leveled the score in the 24th minute with a composed finish.
The Flamingos took control after the break, with Robo Stars attacking midfielder Oluwakemi Adegbuyi putting them ahead in the 62nd minute.
Benin fought back and equalized in the 72nd minute through Nazifatou Dangui.
Just when the game seemed destined for a draw, Ifeanyi Kindness restored Nigeria’s lead two minutes later, sealing the win for the Flamingos.
The victory means Nigeria now heads into the decisive away fixture with a one-goal advantage.
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The aggregate winner after the second leg encounter at the Stade De Kegue in Lomé on July 12 will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA U 17 Women’s World Cup will be held in Morocco from 17 October to 7 November 2026.
