NIGERIA’S Flamingos defeated the Amazons of Benin Republic 5-3 in Lome, Togo, today to secure a spot at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
With the result, the Flamingos won the final qualifying round tie 8-5 aggregate, having prevailed 3-2 in the first leg in Ikenne-Remo.
The Flamingos made a bright start in Lomé, with Mary Dustan opening the scoring as early as the sixth minute.
The hosts responded quickly to level matters just three minutes later, but the Flamingos restored their lead in the 15th minute through Esther Stephen, before Queen Joseph extended the advantage five minutes later to give Nigeria a commanding 3-1 lead inside the opening 20 minutes.
Despite a spirited fightback from the Beninese side, who clawed their way back into the contest, the Flamingos maintained composure in the closing stages.
Queen Joseph grabbed her second of the match in the 76th minute to seal a crucial 5-3 victory on the day and confirm Nigeria’s ticket to Morocco.
