Flamingos Edge Benin in Five-Goal Thriller, Take Slim Advantage to Togo

Posted : 05 July 2026

Nigeria's U-17 women's team, the Flamingos, showed resilience and character to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Benin Republic's Amazons in the first leg of their final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

In an entertaining contest at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, the Flamingos had to come from behind twice before sealing a narrow first-leg advantage ahead of next week's decisive return fixture in Togo.

The visitors made the brighter start and stunned the home supporters in the 16th minute when Romaine Gandonou unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area that beat goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho to hand the Benin Republic an early lead.

Nigeria responded positively and almost found an immediate equaliser, but captain Harmony Chidi's delicate effort sailed just over the crossbar after a good build-up involving Queen Joseph.

The pressure eventually paid off in the 26th minute as Joseph restored parity with a brilliantly executed lob that left Benin goalkeeper Elise Kounkpaga stranded.

Both sides continued to create opportunities before the interval. Ijirigho denied the dangerous Gandonou with a fine save, while Oluwakemi Adegbuyi came agonisingly close to putting Nigeria ahead after seeing her chipped effort crash against the crossbar.

The Flamingos returned from the break with greater attacking intent. Chidi tested Kounkpaga early in the second half before Favour Nkwocha narrowly missed the target as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 62nd minute when substitute Kindness Ifeanyi forced a save from Kounkpaga, allowing Adegbuyi to react quickest and convert the rebound for Nigeria's second goal.

Benin, however, refused to back down and restored parity in the 73rd minute through Nazifatou Dangui, who capitalised on another impressive attacking move orchestrated by Gandonou.

The hosts responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Ifeanyi capped her influential cameo by rising highest to head home from a corner kick, restoring Nigeria's advantage and ultimately deciding an absorbing encounter.

Although the Flamingos take a one-goal lead into the second leg, the Benin Republic's spirited display ensures the qualification tie remains finely balanced.

The decisive return fixture will be played next Saturday at Stade Kegue in Lomé, Togo, with the aggregate winners earning one of Africa's places at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. Nigeria will be determined to protect its slender advantage and book a place at the tournament, while Benin will look to overturn the deficit in what promises to be another closely contested encounter.

Flamingos Edge Benin in Five-Goal Thriller, Take Slim Advantage to Togo

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