FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos eye first-leg advantage against Benin

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, will host neighbours Benin Republic on Saturday in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with a place at the tournament now within touching distance.

The match, scheduled for Ikenne, Ogun State, is the first of two decisive fixtures that will determine which team qualifies for the finals in Morocco.

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The Flamingos reached the final qualifying round in impressive fashion, thrashing Guinea 11-0 on aggregate. The dominant display highlighted the team’s attacking strength and defensive solidity, with goals coming from several players.

Head coach Akeem Busari has kept the squad sharp through intensive training sessions and a series of friendly matches as Nigeria targets another appearance on the global stage.

Captain Harmony Chidi has been one of the team’s standout performers, scoring five goals against Guinea, while Oluwakemi Adegbuyi netted three times and Queen Joseph has also impressed with her pace and attacking threat.

Benin Republic, however, will arrive with confidence after eliminating Sierra Leone 5-1 on aggregate to reach the final qualifying round.

Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, will be aiming to secure a commanding first-leg result before the return fixture as they bid to book another place at the global tournament in Morocco.