Nigeria's Flamingos are set to face Benin Republic in the second leg of their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifier in Lomé, Togo, after departing Lagos on Thursday. The team travelled from Ikenne to Murtala Muhammed International Airport ahead of their flight to Lomé, where the decisive match will be played at Stade de Kégué on Saturday. The Flamingos hold a narrow 3-2 lead from the first leg, secured at Remo Stars Sports Complex last weekend. Goals from Queen Joseph, Zainab Adegbuyi and Ifeanyi Kindness gave Nigeria the edge, but two away strikes by Benin's Yenido Romaine Gandonou and Nazifatou Dangui kept the tie alive.
Benin Republic drew strength from their performance in Ikenne and will count on home support in Lomé to push for a comeback. The Flamingos, coached by Akeem Busari, are aware that a disciplined effort is required to protect their lead and avoid late setbacks. A draw on aggregate will be enough for Nigeria to advance, but Benin only need to score once without reply to overturn the tie. The winner will claim one of Africa's slots at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, to be hosted by Morocco. Nigeria has qualified for every edition of the tournament since 2008 except 2018 and finished third in 2022 in India, becoming the first African team to medal at the competition.
Nigeria carries a one-goal cushion into a high-pressure away leg where Benin's two away goals make a comeback entirely possible. The Flamingos' defensive lapse in allowing both Benin scorers to find the net could cost them despite the narrow aggregate lead. With Queen Joseph, Zainab Adegbuyi and Ifeanyi Kindness on form, Nigeria has the firepower to seal qualification. Benin's resilience, proven by scoring twice in Ikenne, means the return leg remains wide open.
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