The Nigerian Flamingos have earned their spot in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 5-3 triumph against Benin Republic this Saturday at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé. Led by Akeem Busari, the team finished with an 8-5 aggregate victory in the final qualifying round.
Mark Akpan opened the scoring for Nigeria in the sixth minute, though Benin’s Romaine Gandonou leveled the match shortly after. By halftime, Nigeria held a 3-1 lead thanks to successful strikes from Esther Enne Stephen and Queen Joseph. Joseph added another goal from a penalty kick early in the second half.
Although Benin narrowed the gap to 4-3 with two goals from Hermionne Lokossou and Gandonou, Joseph completed a hat-trick 14 minutes before the final whistle to solidify the win. The upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be held in Morocco this October.
