Nigeria U-17 Flamingos Impress with 3-0 Friendly Win as Benin Clash Looms

The Nigeria U-17 Flamingos have been in sparkling form, underlining their credentials with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dream Stars Ladies in a preparatory friendly match. This impressive display boosts confidence as the team prepares for the decisive third and final round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers against Benin.

Friendly Match: Clinical and Dominant

The Flamingos showcased attacking prowess and defensive solidity, with goals from:

•  Mary Dunstan ⚽ 24’

•  Queen Joseph ⚽ 67’

•  Oluwakemi Adegbuyi ⚽ 80’

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi of FC Robo Queens and the Nigeria Flamingos (U-17 national team) was recently named the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Player of the Season after an outstanding campaign and she showed exactly why with a goal in this friendly match.

The young talents controlled the match from start to finish, demonstrating depth, creativity, and clinical finishing. This result highlights just how impressive the Flamingos have been in recent outings.

Nigeria’s Qualification Journey: Dominant and Ruthless

The Flamingos entered at the second round and delivered a masterclass against Guinea, cruising to an 11-0 aggregate victory:

•  23 May 2026 (Away): Guinea 0-5 Nigeria
Goals: Chidi (1’, 12’, 39’), Adegbuyi (37’), Dunstan (56’)

•  31 May 2026 (Home): Nigeria 6-0 Guinea
Goals: Adegbuyi (9’, 32’), Chidi (21’, 34’), Joseph (23’), Oscar (70’)

This dominant performance confirms Nigeria’s status as one of the strongest teams on the continent.

Benin’s Hard-Fought Journey: Resilient Opponents

Benin fought valiantly through earlier rounds to earn this matchup:

First Round vs Burkina Faso

•  11 April 2026: Burkina Faso 3-1 Benin

•  17 April 2026: Benin 4-0 Burkina Faso
Aggregate: 5-3

Second Round vs Sierra Leone

•  25 May 2026: Benin 3-0 Sierra Leone

•  29 May 2026: Sierra Leone 1-2 Benin
Aggregate: 5-1

Benin are a resilient side with dangerous players like Gandonou, but the Flamingos enter this tie as clear favourites.

All Fixtures in the Third & Final Round

Four ties will decide who advances to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup:

•  Nigeria U17 vs Benin U17

•  Senegal U17 vs Ghana U17

•  Zambia U17 vs Ethiopia U17

•  South Africa U17 vs Kenya U17

Dates:

•  1st Leg: 4 July 2026 (Remo Star Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria).

•  2nd Leg: 11 July 2026

Nigeria aims to claim one of the four remaining tickets to join hosts Morocco, making it five African teams at the tournament.

Positive Outlook

The Flamingos have been thoroughly impressive, clinical in attack, solid defensively, and full of energy and talent. With home advantage in the first leg, a squad brimming with potential, and standout performers like Adegbuyi leading the way, they are well-positioned to overcome Benin and secure qualification.

The future of Nigerian women’s football looks incredibly bright with this generation. Let’s back these exceptional young stars all the way.

Prediction: Nigeria to progress and fly the flag at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

What are your thoughts? How far can these impressive Flamingos go? Drop your predictions below.