Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Guinea U17 in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie, putting them in a strong position to advance to the next round. The match, played away from home, saw the Nigerian side dominate from the opening minute, with captain Chidi Harmony scoring just one minute into the game. Her quick reaction gave Nigeria an early lead and set the tone for a ruthless performance that left Guinea struggling to respond.
Chidi Harmony struck again in the 12th minute with a stunning long-range effort, doubling Nigeria’s advantage and showcasing her precision and composure under pressure. The Flamingos continued to press forward, exploiting Guinea’s defensive weaknesses with pace and movement. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi added a third goal in the 37th minute, capitalizing on a well-worked team move to extend the lead.
Chidi completed her first-half hat-trick in the 40th minute, finishing off a brilliant individual performance that highlighted her importance to the team. By halftime, Nigeria had established complete control, with a three-goal cushion and momentum firmly in their favor. The second half saw the Flamingos maintain their dominance, dictating the tempo and limiting Guinea’s chances through disciplined defending and smart possession.
Guinea tried to mount a comeback, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Nigeria’s organized backline and relentless pressing. Mary Dunstan sealed the emphatic win in the 56th minute with a well-taken goal, making the final score 5-0 and delivering a statement performance for the Nigerian side. The result gives Nigeria a massive advantage heading into the return leg, scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Ikenne, Ogun State.
With a five-goal lead and the backing of home support, the Flamingos are now in a prime position to secure qualification for the next stage of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Their performance demonstrated not only individual brilliance but also strong team cohesion and tactical discipline. As Nigeria prepares for the second leg, the focus remains on maintaining their form and ensuring a smooth progression to the next round. This victory marks a significant step forward for Nigerian youth football and highlights the growing strength of the women’s game in the country.


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