Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, are confident of securing a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup when they face Benin Republic in the decisive second leg of their final qualifying tie on Saturday in Lomé, Togo.
The Flamingos head into the encounter at the Stade de Kégué with a slender 3-2 advantage from the first leg in Ikenne, knowing that another solid performance will earn them a ticket to the tournament in Morocco.
Despite holding the edge, Nigeria are expected to face a determined Benin side that proved in the first leg it has the quality to trouble one of Africa’s most successful youth teams. The young Amazons will be aiming to overturn the one-goal deficit and make history with a first-ever World Cup qualification.
With only 90 minutes separating both teams from a place on the global stage, composure, discipline, and clinical finishing are expected to play decisive roles in the outcome of the contest.
The Flamingos, who have established themselves as one of Africa’s leading teams at youth level, will rely on their experience in high-pressure matches, while Benin hope their fearless approach can inspire an upset.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda to officiate the match. Her compatriot, Josephine Nantongo, will serve as reserve referee, while Mali’s Fanta Idrissa Kone and Burundi’s Fides Bangurambona will be the assistant referees.
Togolese official Aissata Ameyo has been named match commissioner, with Senegal’s Fatou Gaye serving as referee assessor.
