Flamingos open WAFU-B title defence with 5-0 riot
The Flamingos began their 2026 WAFU-B U17 Girls’ Cup title defence in emphatic fashion, thrashing Niger Republic 5-0 in their opening game in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, on Wednesday.
Holders flamingos make flying start in Yamoussoukro
Nigeria controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, dominating possession and dictating the tempo as Niger struggled to cope with the Flamingos’ attacking movement.
Captain Harmony Chidi set Nigeria on their way in the 16th minute, finishing to give the side an early advantage.
The goal settled Nigeria into the contest as they continued to apply pressure and control the game from midfield.
Flamingos maintain control
The second goal eventually arrived through Awawu Bashiru, who converted clinically to give Nigeria a two-goal cushion.
The side continued to press for more before the interval, with Adegbuyi having a goal ruled out for offside.
Despite Nigeria’s sustained pressure, Niger Republic managed to reach half-time only two goals behind.
Nigeria’s dominance was also reflected at the other end of the pitch, with goalkeeper Onyinyechi Opara largely untested during the opening 45 minutes.
The team returned from the interval with the same attacking intent, moving the ball patiently as they looked for openings in the Nigerien defence.
Flamingos turn pressure into goals
Niger struggled to contain Nigeria’s pace and creativity as the second half progressed.
They remained patient in possession and continued to push forward, with the pressure eventually producing a late surge of goals.
Ohunene Sunday extended Nigeria’s advantage in the 83rd minute, making it 3-0 and effectively putting the result beyond Niger Republic.
The third goal opened the floodgates, with Mary Dunstan adding a fourth shortly afterwards to underline Nigeria’s control of the encounter.
Nigeria were not finished, however, and continued to search for another goal deep into stoppage time.
Flamingos seal emphatic opening win
Ayomide Rotimi completed the scoring in the 94th minute, finding the net for Nigeria’s fifth goal and putting the finishing touch to a commanding opening-day performance.
The 5-0 result gave the team a clean sheet and five goals from their first match of the competition.
It also provided an early statement from the defending champions, who combined attacking efficiency with defensive discipline throughout the encounter.
The victory continues the Flamingos’ strong presence in the WAFU-B U17 competition. Nigeria won the inaugural edition in 2024 after defeating Ghana in the final, while Harmony Chidi was among the standout performers during that campaign.
Squad builds towards World Cup
The WAFU-B tournament is also an important preparation platform for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The NFF previously confirmed that the Flamingos were among the WAFU-B representatives heading to the global tournament, alongside Ghana, while Kenya and Zambia also qualified from other regional zones. (Nigerian Football Federation)
Akeem Busari‘s side have already secured their place at the World Cup after overcoming Benin Republic 8-5 on aggregate in the final qualifying round. Nigerian Football Federation
The Flamingos will now look to build on Wednesday’s victory as their WAFU-B campaign continues.
With five goals scored, a clean sheet recorded and several players contributing to the result, Nigeria have made a strong start to their title defence in Yamoussoukro.