Nigeria’s Flamingos take giant step towards U17 Women’s World Cup after thrashing Guinea

Nigeria’s Flamingos moved within touching distance of the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after dismantling Guinea 5-0 in a one-sided first-leg encounter at the Stade Champroux in Abidjan on Saturday.

Led by a sensational first-half performance from captain Harmony Chidi, the Nigerian side overwhelmed their opponents with relentless attacking football and exposed Guinea’s defensive frailties from the opening minute.

Coach Akeem Busari’s team wasted little time asserting their dominance as Chidi struck inside the first 60 seconds to hand the Flamingos a dream start away from home.

The early goal immediately set the tone for a contest that quickly turned into a nightmare for Guinea, who struggled to contain Nigeria’s pace, movement and intensity throughout the evening.

The Flamingos pressed aggressively high up the pitch and repeatedly forced errors from the Guinean defence. Their fluid passing combinations and direct running created constant danger, leaving Guinea unable to settle into any rhythm.

Chidi doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 12th minute after another swift attacking move carved open the defence. The captain showed composure in front of goal to finish clinically and continue a dominant opening spell from the visitors.

Nigeria’s attack overwhelms Guinea

With confidence growing, Nigeria continued to dictate possession and attack from both flanks. Guinea found it difficult to cope with the movement of the Flamingos’ forwards, while the midfield battle remained firmly under Nigerian control.

The pressure eventually produced a third goal in the 37th minute when Kemi Adegbuyi calmly finished from inside the penalty area after Nigeria once again sliced through the Guinean backline.

Two minutes later, Chidi completed her hat-trick in emphatic fashion. The forward capitalised on another defensive mistake to score Nigeria’s fourth of the evening and cap a devastating first-half display from the Flamingos.

Guinea offered little response as the Nigerian defence comfortably dealt with the few attacking moments that came their way. By half-time, the tie already appeared beyond the reach of the hosts, with Nigeria firmly in command at 4-0.

The Flamingos refused to ease off after the restart and maintained the same attacking intensity that defined the first half. Nigeria continued to dominate possession, controlled the tempo of the contest and looked dangerous every time they surged forward.

Despite their commanding advantage, Busari’s side remained disciplined defensively and ensured Guinea never gained any momentum in the second half. Their organisation at the back allowed the attacking players freedom to continue pushing for more goals.

Nigeria eventually added a fifth goal to complete one of the most emphatic victories of the qualifying campaign so far and place themselves in a commanding position ahead of the return leg.

Flamingos close in on final qualification stage

The result leaves the Flamingos with a huge advantage heading into the second leg in Nigeria, scheduled to take place between May 29 and May 31.

With a five-goal cushion and a clean sheet secured away from home, the Nigerians are now overwhelming favourites to progress into the decisive final qualification round for the tournament in Morocco.

Nigeria’s display in Abidjan also reinforces their growing reputation as one of Africa’s strongest youth sides in women’s football. Their sharp attacking play, pressing game and clinical finishing proved far too much for Guinea over the 90 minutes.

Should the Flamingos complete the task at home, they will move a step closer to securing one of Africa’s four places at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

The winner of the tie is expected to face the victor between Ghana and Liberia in the final round of qualifiers scheduled for July.