Nigeria's Flamingos booked their place at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026 after defeating Benin Republic in the final qualifying round, Soccernet.ng reports.
Coach Akeem Busari-tutored side secured one of Africa's four qualification places after winning both legs of the West African derby. The qualification means Nigeria will make its ninth appearance in the tournament's 10 editions.
The Flamingos entered the second leg with a narrow 3-2 advantage after their victory at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on July 4. In that first meeting, Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Kindness Ifeanyi all found the net to give Nigeria a slim lead before travelling to neighbouring Togo for the return fixture.
The decisive second leg took place on July 11 at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, where both teams produced another entertaining encounter. Nigeria attacked from the opening whistle and took the lead after just six minutes through Mary Akpan Dunstan.
Benin quickly responded three minutes later when Romaine Gandonou equalised, but the Flamingos refused to lose control of the game. Esther Enne Stephen restored Nigeria's lead in the 14th minute before Queen Joseph added another goal six minutes later to stretch the advantage to 3-1.
Benin showed great determination after the break as Hermionne Lokossou reduced the deficit before Gandonou scored again to keep her team's hopes alive. However, Queen Joseph proved to be the difference-maker. The striker scored again in the 54th minute before completing a superb hat-trick in the 75th minute, ending Benin's comeback hopes and sealing an exciting 5-3 victory for Nigeria.
The result completed an impressive 8-5 aggregate success and confirmed Nigeria's place among Africa's representatives at the global tournament.
Flamingos learn World Cup opponents and Morocco 2026 schedule
With qualification secured, attention now turns to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, which will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
Nigeria will join Ghana, Kenya, Zambia and host nation Morocco as Africa's representatives at the competition.
The Flamingos have been drawn into a difficult Group B alongside defending champions North Korea, European side Poland and Puerto Rico. Every group-stage match will be played at the Women's Football Complex in Rabat.
Nigeria's campaign begins on Saturday, October 17, against Poland. The match will kick off at 6:00 p.m. local time on Pitch 4 and will provide an early test against one of Europe's strongest youth teams.
Three days later, on Tuesday, October 20, the Flamingos will face Puerto Rico at the same venue and kick-off time. Victory in that match could put Nigeria in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage before the final group fixture.
The biggest challenge is expected to come on Friday, October 23, when the Flamingos meet two-time defending champions North Korea at 3:00 p.m. on Pitch 1. That encounter could decide the winners of Group B and determine Nigeria's path in the knockout rounds.
