Flamingos Land in Lomé Ready to Battle For Morocco 2026 Ticket vs Benin Republic
Avoiding a defeat against Amazons of Benin Republic is the final hurdle which stands before Nigeria’s Flamingos and Morocco 2026 World Cup ticket
After surviving a fierce first-leg battle in Ikenne, the country’s U-17 girls are now in Lomé, Togo, where 90 minutes separate them from another appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos arrived safely in the Togolese capital on Thursday morning ahead of Saturday’s decisive second-leg clash against the Young Amazons of Benin Republic in the final qualifying round for Morocco 2026.
The Nigerian delegation departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 9:41 a.m. and touched down at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport at 10:08 a.m. Nigerian time (9:08 a.m. local time).
The team is lodged at Hôtel Le Pélican and wasted no time shifting focus to the task ahead, with their first training session in Lomé scheduled for 4:00 p.m. local time.
While the journey to Togo may have been smooth, the battle awaiting the Flamingos promises to be anything but a tough one.
Nigeria carries a slim 3-2 advantage from the pulsating first leg played at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.
The encounter had everything—an early shock, spirited comebacks, defensive lapses and late drama.
Benin struck first through Romaine Gandonou before Queen Joseph levelled for the Flamingos.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the lead after the break, only for Nazifatou Dangui to draw the visitors level once again.
With tension mounting, Kindness Ifeanyi rose highest to head home the decisive goal that handed Nigeria a narrow but priceless advantage.
Despite claiming victory, Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari admitted there is room for improvement, particularly at the back after his side conceded twice at home.
Those defensive concerns will be tested again by a Benin side that has travelled into the tie believing history is within reach.
Benin coach Idah Azonsou has made no secret of his confidence, insisting the Young Amazons have what it takes to overturn the deficit and secure the country’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
For the Flamingos, however, the stakes are equally significant.
A draw or victory at the Stade de Kégué will seal Nigeria’s place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, extending the country’s remarkable pedigree at youth level with a ninth appearance on the global stage.
With a World Cup ticket hanging in the balance, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this West African rivalry.
The Flamingos know the job is only half done, and on Saturday in Lomé, they will be determined to finish what they started in Ikenne.
