Nigeria's U-17 Women's Team Takes First-Leg Advantage in World Cup Qualifier

The Nigerian U-17 women's team, known as the Flamingos, won a nail-biting encounter against Benin Republic in a FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifying match, taking the first-leg advantage 3-2.

The match, played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, was an attacking spectacle from start to finish. The visitors stunned the home crowd in the 16th minute when Romaine Gandonou unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area that beat Nigerian goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho. Nigeria responded almost immediately, with captain Harmony Chidi coming close to levelling the score, but her chipped effort sailed just over the crossbar after a good build-up involving Queen Joseph.

The pressure eventually paid off in the 26th minute when Joseph restored parity with a well-executed lob that left Benin goalkeeper Elise Kounkpaga stranded. Benin nearly regained the lead in the 34th minute, but Ijirigho produced an important save to deny Gandonou. At the other end, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi came within inches of putting Nigeria ahead just before the break, only to see her effort crash against the crossbar.

The Flamingos returned for the second half with greater attacking intent. Chidi forced another save from Kounkpaga early in the half, while Favour Nkwocha narrowly missed the target with an effort on the hour mark. Nigeria's persistence was rewarded in the 62nd minute. Substitute Kindness Ifeanyi tested Kounkpaga with a fierce shot, and Adegbuyi reacted quickest to convert the rebound and hand the Flamingos a 2-1 lead.

The advantage lasted just 11 minutes as Nazifatou Dangui finished off a move created by Gandonou to bring the visitors level at 2-2. The hosts, however, restored their lead almost immediately. Two minutes after Benin's equaliser, Ifeanyi rose highest to head home from a corner kick and score what proved to be the winning goal.

And it's not surprising, considering the Flamingos' determination and skill on display. Yet, they'll have to be at their best again next Saturday when they face Benin Republic in the second leg of the qualifying match at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo.

The winner over two legs will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Morocco. Nigeria's U-17 women's team has been in good form this season, and coach Nduka Ugbade will be confident that his girls can finish the job.

Benin Republic's Romaine Gandonou was the star of the match, scoring two goals and causing problems for the Nigerian defence throughout. She's a danger to any team in the competition, and Nigeria will have to keep a close eye on her in the second leg.

The second leg of the qualifier will take place on July 14th, and it's set to be an exciting match-up between two teams who are evenly matched. Whoever wins will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.