Benin Republic Seek Historic World Cup Berth, Await Flamingos In Second Leg

Benin Republic Seek Historic World Cup Berth, Await Flamingos In Second Leg

By BSN Sports 

Benin U-17 women's national team head coach, Idah Azonsou, remains confident his side can secure a historic place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup despite trailing Nigeria ahead of the decisive second leg of their final qualifying tie, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Young Amazons produced a spirited display in last weekend's first leg, narrowly losing 3-2 to Nigeria at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.

The return leg is scheduled for Saturday at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, with a place at next year's FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup at stake.

Azonsou said his team is determined to overturn the first-leg deficit and qualify for the tournament for the first time in the country's history.

The Benin coach acknowledged Nigeria's pedigree in women's football but expressed confidence that his players are capable of rising to the challenge.

"We know Nigeria is one of the powerhouses of women's football, so it will be a very difficult match. But we also want to qualify for our first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup," Azonsou said in an interview with Benin TV (SRTB).

Nigeria's Flamingos will head into the encounter with a slender one-goal advantage as both teams battle for a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.