FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Flamingos Edge Five-Goal Thriller in Ikenne-Remo

Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, took a crucial step toward qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Bénin Republic’s Amazons 3-2 in a pulsating first-leg encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday.

The match lived up to its billing as a final-round qualifier, with both sides showcasing the quality that has carried them this far.

Bénin Republic struck first in the 16th minute through Romaine Gandonou, whose thunderous left-footed effort from the edge of the box left Nigeria’s goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho helpless.

Nigeria responded swiftly, with Queen Joseph leveling in the 26th minute via a lofted lob that deceived Elise Kounkpaga in goal.

The Flamingos nearly went ahead before halftime when Oluwakemi Adegbuyi’s chip rattled the crossbar, while Ijirigho had to stay alert to deny Gandonou once more.

The second half brought more drama. Substitute Kindness Ifeanyi’s powerful shot in the 62nd minute forced a spill from Kounkpaga, allowing Adegbuyi to stab home Nigeria’s second.

The Amazons equalized in the 73rd minute through Nazifatou Dangui after Gandonou carved open the Flamingos’ defense.

Yet Nigeria restored their lead almost immediately, as Ifeanyi rose highest to head in from a corner two minutes later.

The Flamingos held firm to secure a 3-2 victory, giving them a slender advantage ahead of the return leg at Stade Kegue in Lome, Togo, next Saturday.

The aggregate winner will book a ticket to Morocco for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.