Flamencos beat Benin in five-goal thriller to take lead in U-17 World Cup Qualifier

Abayomi Ademola

The Nigerian Flamingos fought back twice to defeat Benin Republic 3-2 in the first leg of their final qualifying round for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Saturday.

Benin shocked the home crowd when Yenido Romaine Gandonou put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute, but the Flamingos responded through Queen Joseph, who equalized 10 minutes later to restore the balance before the break.

Nigeria looked more aggressive after the break and finally took the lead for the first time in the 62nd minute when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi finished off sustained pressure. Benin, however, refused to back down as Nazifatou Dangui equalized again in the 72nd minute to set up a tense finale.

The Flamingos responded almost immediately, with Ifeanyi Kindness scoring the decisive goal just three minutes later to give Akeem Busari’s team a narrow but important lead in the first leg heading into the second leg.

Nigeria will now travel to the Stade de Kégué in Lomé for next weekend’s decisive second leg, with a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 still up for grabs.