Flamingos Return Home As Africa Confirms Five Teams For FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Flamingos Return After Successful Qualification Campaign
NIGERIA’S U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have returned home after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, joining four other African nations that will represent the continent at the global tournament in Morocco.
The team arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos following the completion of the African qualifying series, having successfully earned one of the continent’s four qualification tickets.
Their return marks the beginning of preparations for another appearance on the world stage, where Africa’s brightest young female footballers will compete against the best teams from across the globe.
Nigeria Overcomes Benin to Seal Ninth Appearance
The Flamingos booked their place at the tournament after defeating Benin Republic 8-5 on aggregate in the final qualifying round.
Coach Hakeem Busari’s side first edged Benin 3-2 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne before completing the assignment with an entertaining 5-3 victory in the return leg played in Lomé, Togo.
The qualification extends Nigeria’s remarkable record in the competition, with the Flamingos reaching their ninth FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Africa’s Five Representatives Confirmed
With the qualification campaign concluded, the continent’s representatives have now been confirmed.
Tournament hosts Morocco automatically qualified, while Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia secured the remaining places after emerging victorious in their respective playoff ties.
Ghana earned a return to the competition for the first time since 2018 after defeating Senegal in a dramatic penalty shootout following two 1-1 draws.
Kenya reached only its second FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup by overcoming South Africa over two legs, while Zambia maintained its impressive rise in youth football by qualifying for a third consecutive edition after eliminating Ethiopia.
Eyes on Morocco 2026
The 10th edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will take place in Morocco from 17 October to 7 November 2026, featuring 24 teams from across the six FIFA confederations.
Africa’s five representatives will compete alongside teams from Europe, Asia, North and Central America, South America and Oceania in what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the tournament.
With qualification secured, attention now turns to preparations as the Flamingos and their continental counterparts seek to make a strong impression and challenge for global honours.
