Flamingos edge Benin in thrilling first leg of FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria's U17 girls, the Flamingos, secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Benin Republic's Amazons on Saturday in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.
The exciting contest at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo showcased the quality of both sides, who are battling for a place at this year's tournament in Morocco.
Benin Republic struck first in the 16th minute through Romaine Gandonou, whose powerful left-footed effort from the edge of the box gave Nigerian goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho no chance.
The Flamingos responded positively despite the early setback. A minute later, captain Harmony Chidi came close to equalising when her chip narrowly sailed over the crossbar after a fine move by Queen Joseph.
Nigeria restored parity in the 26th minute as Queen Joseph calmly lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Elise Kounkpaga to make it 1-1.
Both teams continued to create chances before the break. Ijirigho denied Gandonou in the 34th minute, while Oluwakemi Adegbuyi rattled the crossbar with a delicate chip just before halftime.
The Flamingos returned from the interval with greater urgency. Chidi forced Kounkpaga into a fine save in the 49th minute, while Favour Nkwocha fired just over the bar shortly after the hour mark.
Nigeria eventually took the lead in the 62nd minute when substitute Kindness Ifeanyi's powerful effort slipped through Kounkpaga's grasp, allowing Adegbuyi to react quickest and slot home the rebound.
The visitors drew level in the 73rd minute as Nazifatou Dangui finished clinically after Gandonou carved open the Nigerian defence.
However, the Flamingos restored their advantage just two minutes later. Ifeanyi rose highest to head home from a corner kick, sealing a narrow but important first-leg victory for the hosts.
Both teams will meet again in the return leg at Stade Kegue in Lomé, Togo, next Saturday, with the aggregate winner earning a place at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.
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