The race to Morocco is down to one decisive night in Lomé. When the final whistle blows at Stade de Kégué on Saturday, either Nigeria’s Flamingos or Benin’s young Amazons will book a spot at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The stakes are sharpened further by the 3-2 scoreline carried over from Ikenne.
Nigeria head into the contest with a slender edge, though it is measured in fine margins rather than comfort. Benin cross the border knowing they have already disrupted one of Africa’s best-established youth setups. With 90 minutes separating months of work from the global stage, every moment carries weight.
At a glance
- The second leg is set for Saturday at Stade de Kégué in Lomé.
- The tie is carried over from Ikenne with a 3-2 scoreline.
- Nigeria’s Flamingos will advance if they protect their advantage; Benin’s Amazons can qualify by overturning the deficit.
- Ugandan referee: Shamirah Nabadda; reserve referee: Josephine Nantongo.
- Assistant referees: Malian Fanta Idrissa Kone (assistant referee 1) and Fides Bangurambona from Burundi (assistant referee 2).
- Togolese Aissata Ameyo is the commissioner, with Senegalese Fatou Gaye as referee assessor.
The context around those preparations is different on both sides. Nigeria have lived with expectation for generations, consistently producing youth teams that understand the responsibility of representing a football nation. Benin, meanwhile, have continued to add fresh pages to their development story with each competitive run, and that sense of possibility has often translated into a fearless edge.
How those emotions are managed could prove just as decisive as any tactical plan. The side that stays composed after setbacks, avoids trying to force the breakthrough too early, and keeps making clean, confident choices when pressure rises is most likely to secure progression.
CAF has confirmed the officiating team for the match. Ugandan official Shamirah Nabadda is appointed as the referee, with Josephine Nantongo from the same country named as reserve referee. Malian Fanta Idrissa Kone will act as assistant referee 1, while Fides Bangurambona of Burundi takes the role of assistant referee 2.
Togolese Aissata Ameyo will work as commissioner, and Senegalese Fatou Gaye has been selected as the referee assessor. With the tie poised to be decided in Lomé, the match official group will play a key role in keeping the contest flowing as both teams chase a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
