Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Benin Republic in the final round of the African qualifiers.
The Nigerian side sealed qualification with an impressive 5-3 victory in Saturday’s second-leg encounter at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, completing an 8-5 aggregate win.
The Flamingos had earlier edged the first leg 3-2 in Ikenne, Ogun State, before finishing the job away from home to secure one of Africa’s four qualification tickets.
Mark Akpan, Esther Stephen and Queen Joseph were among the goalscorers as Nigeria produced another strong attacking display to book their place at the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026, with the host nation automatically qualifying alongside Africa’s four representatives.
Coach Akeem Busari’s side enjoyed an impressive qualifying campaign, having thrashed Guinea 11-0 on aggregate in the previous round before overcoming Benin Republic.
The latest qualification further strengthens Nigeria’s reputation as one of the most successful teams in the history of the competition.
The Flamingos have qualified for every edition of the tournament except 2018, with their best performance coming in 2022, when they won the bronze medal after finishing third.
With their place in Morocco now confirmed, the Nigerian girls will be aiming to make history by winning the U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time.
Source: CAF/FIFA.
