Flamingos secure thrilling 3-2 victory in Ikenne-Remo

On July 4, 2026, Nigeria’s U17 girls, known as the Flamingos, defeated their counterparts from Bénin Republic, the Amazons, in a closely contested match, winning 3-2 in the first leg of a final round qualifying fixture for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.
The match took place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, showcasing both teams' impressive skills that led them to the final qualifying rounds in Africa.
Bénin Republic’s forward, Romaine Gandonou, opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the eighteen-yard box, which left Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Jane Ijirigho, unable to respond. The Flamingos, undeterred by the early setback, pressed for an equalizer. Team captain Harmony Chidi came close in the 17th minute, but her chip shot sailed just over the bar after a clever assist from Queen Joseph.
Nigeria found their equalizer in the 26th minute when Queen Joseph scored with a well-timed lob that caught goalkeeper Elise Kounkpaga off guard. Ijirigho had to remain vigilant to deny Gandonou in the 34th minute, but just nine minutes later, Nigeria nearly took the lead as Oluwakemi Adegbuyi’s chip hit the crossbar.
In the second half, the Flamingos displayed increased urgency in their approach. Chidi had another chance in the 49th minute, but Kounkpaga made a solid save. Favour Nkwocha also tried her luck soon after, sending a shot narrowly over the target.
In the 62nd minute, Nigeria finally took the lead when substitute Kindness Ifeanyi's shot was too hot for Kounkpaga to handle, allowing Adegbuyi to pounce and score. However, the Amazons equalized in the 73rd minute when Nazifatou Dangui found the back of the net after Gandonou's effort had split the Flamingos' defense.
Just two minutes later, Nigeria regained their lead as Ifeanyi rose above her defenders to head home from a corner. The teams will meet again in the return leg scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Stade Kegue in Lome, Togo, where the winner will secure a spot in this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.