FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria book place in Morocco after high-scoring victory over Benin

Benin 3-5 Nigeria (Aggregate: 5-8)

Scorers:
Benin: Romaine Gandonou (9', 64'), Hermionne Lokossou (56')
Nigeria: Mary Akpan Dunstan (6'), Esther Enne Stephen (14'), Queen Joseph (20', 54', 75')

Nigeria secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026 after defeating Benin 5-3 in an entertaining second-leg encounter to complete an 8-5 aggregate victory.

Holding a narrow 3-2 advantage from the first leg, the Flamingos produced another clinical attacking display in Cotonou to seal their place at the global finals.

Nigeria made the perfect start, taking the lead after just six minutes through Mary Akpan Dunstan before Esther Enne Stephen doubled the advantage eight minutes later.

Queen Joseph then added a third in the 20th minute to give the visitors a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time and place them firmly in control of the tie.

Benin responded strongly after the break. Hermionne Lokossou pulled a goal back before Romaine Gandonou added her second of the match to reduce the deficit.

However, Queen Joseph once again proved decisive for Nigeria. Having already scored in the opening half, the striker restored Nigeria's cushion with her second goal in the 54th minute before completing an outstanding hat-trick in the 75th minute to put the result beyond doubt.

Although Benin continued to battle until the final whistle, Nigeria's attacking quality ultimately proved the difference as the former champions secured another appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

The Flamingos now join the growing list of African nations to qualify for the tournament in Morocco, where they will once again aim to challenge for global honours after another impressive qualifying campaign.