FIFA U17 WWCQ: Flamingos Defeat Young Amazons of Benin Republic in Ikenne, Walk on Tight Rope Ahead of Return Leg
Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a hard-earned 3-2 victory over the Benin Republic’s Young Amazons in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, overcoming a spirited challenge at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday.
The thrilling five-goal encounter showcased the resilience of Coach Akeem Busari’s side, who twice recovered from setbacks before claiming a slender advantage ahead of next week’s decisive return leg.
The visitors drew first blood in the 14th minute when Yenido Romaine Gandonou capitalised on a defensive lapse to put the Young Amazons ahead, momentarily silencing the home supporters.
Nigeria gradually settled into the contest and deservedly found the equaliser in the 24th minute through Queen Joseph, who calmly finished off a well-worked move to restore parity before halftime.
The Flamingos emerged with renewed intensity after the restart and completed the turnaround in the 62nd minute when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi found the back of the net to hand the hosts a 2-1 lead.
Benin, however, refused to surrender. Their persistence paid off in the 72nd minute as Nazifatou Dangui levelled the score once again, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
The response from the Flamingos was immediate. Just three minutes later, Kindness Ifeanyi produced the decisive moment of the match, firing home in the 75th minute to restore Nigeria’s lead and ultimately seal a valuable 3-2 first-leg victory.
While the result gives the seven-time African champions a crucial edge, the tie remains finely balanced heading into the second leg.
The Flamingos will require at least a draw in the return fixture to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The decisive second leg will be played on Saturday, July 11, at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, the adopted home venue of the Benin Republic.
The aggregate winners will claim one of Africa’s qualification tickets to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
