‎By Teddy Nwanunobi

‎The duo of Nigeria and Ghana have booked their places for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from October 17 to November 7.

‎The tournament, which will feature the world’s leading youth teams, saw Nigeria qualify with an 8-5 aggregate victory, after the Flamingos defeated Benin Republic’s Amazons 5-3 at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo on Saturday.

‎Ghana booked their place, after defeating Senegal 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the second leg, which left the tie level at 2-2 on aggregate.

‎In a fiercely contested West African derby, the Black Maidens held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to become the second African nation to qualify through the final round of the continental qualifiers.

‎The Nigerians secured qualification after building on last weekend’s 3-2 first-leg success in Ikenne, Ogun State, with another commanding attacking display.

‎Nigeria struck first in the sixth minute through Mary Dustan. But Benin Republic responded swiftly, levelling three minutes later to revive the fiercely contested encounter.

‎The Flamingos regained control through Ester Stephen’s 15th-minute strike before Queen Joseph extended the advantage in the 20th minute, giving Nigeria a commanding 3-1 lead.

‎The Beninese fought back impressively, scoring twice to reduce the deficit and threaten Nigeria’s qualification hopes before the visitors responded decisively.

‎But the Flamingos added two more goals to complete an entertaining 5-3 victory, ending Benin’s resistance, and confirming their place at the global tournament.

‎The aggregate triumph underlined Nigeria’s dominance across both qualifying matches, with Busari’s side scoring eight goals while conceding five over two legs.

‎“I’m proud of the players’ determination and attacking spirit. They showed resilience and deserved this qualification,” Coach Akeem Busari said after the victory.

‎Five nations will represent Africa at the expanded 24-nation tournament.