Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team head coach, Akeem Busari, has expressed confidence that the Flamingos will capitalize on their “second opportunity” when they face Benin Republic in the decisive second leg of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round on Saturday at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.
The Flamingos head into the crucial encounter holding a slender 3-2 advantage from the first leg in Ikenne and require at least a draw to secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Reflecting on the first-leg victory, Busari admitted his side failed to make the most of their chances but insisted the technical crew has addressed the shortcomings ahead of the return fixture.
“We expected more from the first leg at home, but unfortunately we couldn’t get it right because we didn’t take our opportunities,” Busari said.
“This is our second opportunity and we must make the most of it. We have gone back to work on the areas where we need improvement, especially how to deal with Benin’s strengths.”
“We have also worked on our attacking play, individual qualities, combinations in attack and the overall cohesion of the team.”
The coach believes those adjustments will put Nigeria in a stronger position to finish the job and book a place at the World Cup.
“For this second leg, I believe, by the grace of God, we have corrected those areas and we are ready,” he added.
Busari also revealed that a major part of his preparations has been focused on the players’ mentality, urging the Flamingos to approach the match with confidence despite playing away from home.
“For a game of this magnitude, the girls naturally wanted to win at home, but we have told them this is still the same game. It is simply the continuation of the first leg,” he explained.
“We have to change their mentality and make them understand that they can play and win anywhere. We have played in different places before and performed very well. With the right mindset, we believe we can get the result and return home with the World Cup ticket.”
Victory or a draw in Lomé will send Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, while Benin Republic must overturn the one-goal deficit to qualify for the tournament for the first time in their history.
