Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating neighbours Benin Republic in the final round of the African qualifiers.
The Flamingos sealed qualification with a 5-3 victory in the second leg on Saturday at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, completing an 8-5 aggregate triumph over the Young Amazons.
Nigeria had taken a slim advantage into the return fixture after recording a 3-2 win in the first leg played in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Goals from Mark Akpan, Esther Stephen and Queen Joseph inspired the Flamingos to another impressive victory, ensuring they secured one of Africa’s four qualification slots for the global tournament.
The team will now join hosts Morocco in the expanded 24-team competition, which is scheduled to be held from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
Coach Akeem Busari’s side enjoyed a dominant qualification campaign, having earlier thrashed Guinea 11-0 on aggregate in the second qualifying round, winning 5-0 away before completing the job with a 6-0 victory at home.
The latest qualification further underlines Nigeria’s reputation as one of Africa’s strongest teams at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, having consistently featured at the global tournament.
