Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s national team, the Flamingos, take a first-leg advantage after beating Benin Republic 3-2 in the opening match of their final qualifying-round tie for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The contest is played across two legs, with the aggregate winner qualifying for the tournament, scheduled to be hosted by Morocco.
Benin Republic score first, taking the lead in the 14th minute through Yenido Romaine Gandonou. Nigeria respond and eventually overturn the deficit to win the match 3-2 at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne. Multiple reports describe the encounter as a five-goal thriller, highlighting the back-and-forth nature of the game and Nigeria’s ability to secure the decisive advantage before the return leg.
With the first match concluded in Nigeria’s favor, both teams now look ahead to the second leg to determine which side progresses on aggregate to the World Cup.
