Nigeria U-17 (Flamingos) vs Benin U-17: Match Preview - 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers (Final Round)

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as the Nigeria U-17 Women’s National Football Team (Flamingos) host Benin U-17 in the first leg of the decisive third and final round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. With only four African teams advancing to join hosts Morocco, this two-legged tie represents a massive opportunity for both sides.

Date & Venue

• 1st Leg: Saturday, 4 July 2026 – Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria

• 2nd Leg: Saturday, 11 July 2026 – Venue TBA, Benin Republic

The Flamingos enter as clear favourites, but Benin have shown resilience and fighting spirit throughout the qualifiers.

Nigeria Flamingos’ Journey: Dominant and Ruthless

Nigeria joined the qualifiers in the second round and immediately stamped their authority with a commanding 11-0 aggregate victory over Guinea:

• 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 demolition confirmed the Flamingos as one of Africa’s strongest U-17 women’s teams. Their preparation has been equally impressive, with three dominant friendly wins and an astonishing 29 goals scored while keeping a clean sheet in every game:

• 3-0 vs Dream Stars Ladies (Goals: Mary Dunstan 24’, Queen Joseph 67’, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi 80’)

• 11-0 vs RoyalToms Queens (Multiple scorers including a hat-trick from Harmony Chidi)

• 15-0 vs Future Stars ’99 (Even with heavy rotation, Kindness Ifeanyi scored a hat-trick)

Key players in red-hot form include Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (NWFL Player of the Season), Harmony Chidi, Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan, Kindness Ifeanyi, Precious Oscar, and Tobiloba Sarafa. The squad depth is remarkable, allowing effective rotation without any drop in quality. With home advantage in Ikenne and clinical attacking play, Nigeria are in prime condition.

Benin U-17’s Journey: Resilient Underdogs

Benin have had to battle through tougher early rounds to reach this stage, showing character and comeback ability:

First Round vs Burkina Faso

• 11 April 2026: Burkina Faso 3-1 Benin

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

Second Round vs Sierra Leone

• 25 May 2026: Benin 3-0 Sierra Leone

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

Players like Gandonou have been notable in Benin’s campaign. While they are the underdogs, their ability to grind out results away from home and deliver strong performances at home makes them dangerous opponents who cannot be taken lightly.

Other Final Round Ties

• Senegal U17 vs Ghana U17

• Zambia U17 vs Ethiopia U17

• South Africa U17 vs Kenya U17

Nigeria aim to secure one of the four qualification spots, which will bring five African teams (including hosts Morocco) to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Prediction and Outlook

The Flamingos have been nothing short of sensational, ruthless in attack, solid defensively, and full of confidence. Home advantage at Remo Stars Stadium should see them take a commanding lead in the first leg.

Score Prediction (1st Leg): Nigeria 4-0 Benin
Overall: Nigeria to progress comfortably on aggregate.

This group of young talents represents a very bright future for Nigerian women’s football. A strong performance here could set them up for a memorable World Cup campaign.

How to Watch

• Nigeria’s Home Leg: Streamed live on the official NFF YouTube page.

• Benin’s Home Leg: Benin Football Federation Facebook page.

What are your thoughts? Can the Flamingos squad qualify for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup? Drop your predictions and support in the comments below.

Follow Ademola Sports for more updates, analysis, and coverage of Nigerian and African football.