Flamingos qualify for U17 women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s U17 female national team the Flamingos have qualified for the upcoming 2026 U17 FIFA women’s World Cup with an 8-5 aggregate win over Benin Republic.

The second leg of the final qualification round was played at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, where an entertaining encounter ensued and Nigeria eventually triumphed 5-3 thanks to Queen Joseph’s hattrick.

Coach Akeem Busari’s girls had secured a nail-biting 3-2 win in the first leg in Ikenne, and were made to sweat in the second leg for a record-setting 13-goal math over two legs.

Mary Akpan Dustan put Nigeria ahead on six minutes but Benin’s Romaine Gandonou, who gave Benin a shock lead in the first leg, equalized three minutes later.

Nigeria scored further goals through Esther Stephen and Joseph to end the first half 3-1.

Fosla Academy striker Joseph scored a penalty early in the second half, but Benin threatened another comeback through Hermionne Lokossou and Gandonou’s second strike to bring the Young Amazons within a goal of Nigeria.

However, 16-year-old Joseph completed her hattrick to break Benin’s spirit and secure the 5-3 win.

Nigeria secured one of four qualification spots for Africa, and Morocco as hosts ensures the continent will have fine representatives in the extended 24-nation tournament.

The U17 women’s World Cup will take place from October 17 and November 7 later this year. Nigeria’s best record in the competition is a bronze medal in the 2022 edition in India.

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