Benin vs Nigeria: Busari Sure Flamingos Will Secure FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Ticket in Kégué
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team head coach, Akeem Busari, is confident the Flamingos will finish the job against Benin Republic when both sides meet in the second leg of the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.
The Flamingos travel to Togo with a narrow 3-2 advantage from the first leg in Ikenne and need only a draw to seal qualification for next year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Despite securing victory in the first leg, Busari admitted his side did not perform to their full potential, particularly in front of goal, but revealed that the team has spent the past few days working on the areas that need improvement.
“We expected more from the first leg at home, but unfortunately we couldn’t get it right because we didn’t take our opportunities,” Busari said.
“This is our second opportunity and we must make the most of it. We have gone back to work on the areas where we need improvement, especially how to deal with Benin’s strengths. We have also worked on our attacking play, individual qualities, combinations in attack and the overall cohesion of the team.”
The experienced tactician expressed confidence that the adjustments made in training will help the Flamingos produce a stronger performance in the decisive encounter.
“For this second leg, I believe, by the grace of God, we have corrected those areas and we are ready,” he added.
Busari also stressed the importance of the team’s mentality, insisting his players must believe they are capable of winning regardless of the venue.
“The girls naturally wanted to finish the job at home, but we have reminded them that this is simply the second half of the same tie,” he explained.
“We have worked on their mentality and made them understand that they can play and win anywhere. We have produced good performances away from home before, and with the right mindset, we are confident of getting the result we need and returning home with the World Cup ticket.”
A positive result in Lomé will confirm Nigeria’s place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, while Benin Republic must win by at least two clear goals to qualify for the tournament for the first time in their history.
