Flamingos’ head coach, Akeem Busari, says Nigeria’s under-17 women’s team expects a fiercely contested encounter against neighboring Benin ahead of Saturday’s first leg of the final round of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers but expresses confidence that his team will emerge victorious and book their place at the Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria will host the Young Amazons in the first leg of the final qualifying round tie at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, Ikenne, on Saturday and the second leg at the Stade de Kegue, Lome, next weekend.
The winner over two legs will earn a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup slated for Morocco later in the year.
Nigeria thrashed Guinea 11-0 on aggregate in the previous round, while Benin Republic defeated Sierra Leone 5-1 on aggregate.
Busari is expecting a difficult duel but is confident his team will scale the hurdle.
“Everybody really wants to be part of the competition proper, and Nigeria being a consistent contender, it’s going to be a tough game,” Busari said ahead of the game.
“I believe they are prepared, and we are prepared as well. The 90 minutes we have here are going to be very important. I believe we are going to carry the day by God’s grace.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
