Azonsou Confident Young Amazons Can Upset Nigeria’s Flamingos to Qualify

Sports

Benin Republic Under-17 women’s coach Idah Azonsou is confident his Young Amazons can pull off an upset against Nigeria’s Flamingos and earn a spot at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Quick facts

  • Benin U-17 women’s coach: Idah Azonsou
  • Benin side: Young Amazons
  • Opponent: Nigeria’s Flamingos
  • Competition: 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying
  • Tie format: Two legs
  • First leg: July 4 at Remo Stars Sports Complex
  • Second leg: July 11 at Kégué Stadium in Lomé

Azonsou says the team has already started preparations for the next month’s qualifying clash, which will be played over two legs against Nigeria.

While he readily admits the visitors bring real quality, the coach believes Benin can compete and turn that challenge into an opportunity.

“We know that Nigeria is a major force in women’s football and consistently performs at this level,” Azonsou said.

“That is why we are working hard to face them and, hopefully, secure a historic qualification for the U-17 World Cup.”

The opening match is set for July 4 at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, with the return leg scheduled for July 11 at Kégué Stadium in Lomé.

Zibuyile Dladla
Zibuyile Dladla
Senior Writer

Zibuyile began her media journey as a sales intern at Mediamark (Kagiso Media) before moving into digital content creation for ZAlebs.com. Over four years, she helped evolve the platform from a simple blog into one of South Africa’s leading independent entertainment news sites.
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