Preparations are gathering momentum as Benin Republic’s U-17 women’s national team, the Young Amazons, return to camp ahead of their crucial final-round encounter against Nigeria’s Flamingos in the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Young Amazons have resumed intensive training at the Missérété Excellence Centre, where Head Coach, Idah Azonsou has assembled a provisional squad of 30 players. The camp marks the beginning of the team’s final preparations for what promises to be one of the biggest matches in their history.
With a World Cup ticket at stake, Coach Azonsou is expected to reduce the squad in the coming weeks, retaining only the most outstanding performers for the decisive two-legged tie against Nigeria.
Addressing his players, the coach reportedly emphasized the importance of commitment and unity as they prepare to face one of Africa’s strongest youth teams.
“This is the final hurdle. We must give everything to qualify. Discipline, teamwork, and determination will be our weapons against Nigeria,” Azonsou told the squad.
The first leg of the highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Nigeria, while the return fixture will take place a week later at the Kegue Stadium in Lomé, Togo. The winner on aggregate will earn a coveted place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Morocco later this year.
Nigeria’s Flamingos enter the contest as favourites, having built a reputation as one of the continent’s most successful youth teams. Known for their technical quality, speed, and tactical discipline, the Nigerian side remains a formidable force in African women’s football.
Despite the challenge ahead, reports from Benin’s training camp suggest that the players are highly motivated and determined to make history. Training sessions have focused heavily on fitness, tactical organization, ball control, and teamwork as the coaching crew seeks to build a squad capable of matching Nigeria’s intensity.
Meanwhile, officials of the Nigerian Football Federation have also expressed confidence in the Flamingos’ chances of securing qualification.
“We trust our girls to rise to the occasion. The World Cup ticket is within reach, and we will fight for it,” a federation official said.
As anticipation continues to build across West Africa, football fans are eagerly looking forward to what could be a thrilling contest between two ambitious sides.
For Benin Republic, qualification would represent a historic breakthrough. For Nigeria, it is another opportunity to reinforce its dominance in youth women’s football. As Coach Azonsou reminded his players, “This is not just a game; it is an opportunity to write history for Benin Republic.”
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