Nigeria's under-17 women's team, the Flamingos, claimed a narrow first-leg victory over Benin Republic in the African qualifying play-off for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, winning 3-2 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, southwestern Nigeria. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with substitute Kindness Ifeanyi heading home a corner kick in the 74th minute to seal the win after Benin had twice levelled the score, including a goal from Romaine Gandonou who was a constant threat throughout. The aggregate winner over both legs will qualify for the tournament, to be hosted by Morocco, with the return fixture scheduled for next Saturday at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo.