Flamingos Arrive in Togo Ahead of Decisive U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier Against Benin
Nigeria’s Nigeria women's national under-17 football team have safely arrived in Lomé, Togo, ahead of the crucial second leg of their final qualifying tie for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup against the **Benin Republic women's national under-17 football team.
The Nigerian delegation landed at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport on Friday before checking into the prestigious Hôtel Le Pélican, where the team will be based ahead of the decisive encounter.
Head coach Akeem Busari is expected to lead his players through their first training session in Lomé later on Friday as preparations intensify for the all-important clash.
The return leg will be played on Saturday at the Stade de Kégué, with the Flamingos holding a narrow 3-2 advantage from the first leg played at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.
Despite carrying a one-goal lead into the match, Nigeria will be aware that the tie remains finely balanced. Benin Republic impressed in the opening encounter by scoring twice away from home, setting up what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for a place at the global tournament.
The aggregate winners will secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, scheduled to take place in Morocco in October, where Nigeria will be aiming to continue its proud tradition of competing among the world's best at youth level.
With qualification within touching distance, the Flamingos will be determined to produce a disciplined and composed performance to ensure their place on football's biggest youth stage.
Opinion: Ninety Minutes Stand Between the Flamingos and Another World Cup
The Flamingos have done the difficult part by winning away from home in the first leg, but the job is only half complete. A slender 3-2 advantage offers no room for complacency, particularly against a Benin Republic side that has already shown it possesses attacking quality.
Coach Akeem Busari's team must strike the right balance between protecting their lead and remaining positive in attack. Sitting too deep could invite unnecessary pressure, while maintaining their attacking identity may prove the best way to control the contest.
Nigeria has built an impressive reputation in women's youth football over the years, and qualification for another FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup would reinforce the country's status as one of Africa's leading producers of young female football talent.
If the Flamingos approach the match with discipline, confidence and composure, they have every opportunity to finish the job in Lomé and book another well-deserved place on the world stage.
