Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s national team produced a commanding attacking display to defeat Benin Republic 5-3 and book their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with an emphatic 8-5 aggregate victory.
The Flamingos entered the decisive qualifier determined to protect their first-leg advantage and wasted little time asserting themselves.
Mark Akpan fired Nigeria ahead in the sixth minute, giving the visitors the perfect start.
Benin responded positively and restored parity five minutes later through Romaine Gandonou, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to make it 1-1.
Nigeria quickly regained control of the contest as Esther Enne Stephen restored the lead in the 15th minute before Queen Joseph extended the advantage just four minutes later with a composed finish, handing the Flamingos a 3-1 lead before the midway point of the first half.
After the restart, Nigeria increased their cushion when they converted a penalty in the 54th minute to make it 4-1.
Benin refused to surrender and mounted a spirited fightback.
Hermionne Lokossou reduced the deficit two minutes later before Romaine Gandonou grabbed her second goal of the match in the 64th minute to bring the score to 4-3.
However, Nigeria remained composed under pressure and sealed the victory in the 76th minute when Queen Joseph scored her second goal of the encounter to complete a thrilling 5-3 triumph.
The result secured an 8-5 aggregate success for Nigeria, confirming the Flamingos’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The victory underlines Nigeria’s strength in women’s youth football and ensures the Flamingos will once again represent the country on the global stage as they aim to challenge for honours at the tournament.
