Nigeria’s Flamingoes secured a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup by defeating Benin Republic 5-3 in the second leg of their final qualifying round fixture.
The final second-round tie at the Stade de Kgu in Lom saw the Nigerian side edge out the Beninese Republic 5-3. Thus sealing a 8-5 aggregate victory for Bankole Olowookere’s girls to grace the global showpiece.
The Flamingoes begun the game perfectly in the 6th minute through Mark Akpan before Romaine Gandonou leveled the game for the Republic of Benin 5 minutes later.
However, Nigeria regained the lead before halftime through Esther Enne Stephen, Queen Joseph added the third before the break to give the Flamingoes a 3-1 lead at the end of the half.
Nigeria made it 4-1 nine minutes into the second half when Joseph dispatched a spot kick accurately. But Benin replied with two quick goals from Hermionne Lokossou and Gandonou which cut the deficit to 4-3 with the game heading for a thrilling finish.
Queen Joseph, however completed her hat-trick in the 76th minute as Nigeria seals a convincing 5-3 win to ensure their qualification for the World Cup in Morocco which will take place in October 2026.
