Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Benin Republic in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round clash at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, Ikenne, on Saturday.
The visitors made a bright start, taking the lead in the 14th minute through Yenido Romaine Gandonou to silence the home crowd.
Nigeria responded positively, with Queen Joseph restoring parity in the 24th minute to ensure both sides went into the break level.
The Flamingos turned the game around shortly after the hour mark when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi found the back of the net to make it 2-1.
Benin refused to give up, and Nazifatou Dangui equalised in the 72nd minute to set up a tense finale.
However, Ifeanyi Kindness struck just three minutes later to restore Nigeria’s advantage and seal a crucial first-leg win for the Flamingos.
The two teams will meet again in the decisive second leg at Stade de Kégué in Lomé next weekend, with a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at stake.
