Nigeria’s women's national under-17 football team produced a dominant display to defeat Guinea's women's national under-17 football team 5-0 away from home in the first leg of their second-round qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
A brilliant hat-trick from Harmony Chidi, alongside goals from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Mary Dunstan, sealed a convincing victory for the Flamingos.
Chidi gave Nigeria the perfect start after scoring just one minute into the encounter before doubling the lead in the 12th minute.
The prolific forward completed her hat-trick in the 36th minute to put the Flamingos firmly in control of the contest.
Adegbuyi added the fourth goal only two minutes later, while Dunstan completed the rout in the 56th minute.
The return leg is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The winner over two legs will progress to the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
The Flamingos have remained one of Africa’s strongest teams at the youth level and have qualified for almost every edition of the tournament, missing only the 2018 edition.
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals in 2010, 2012, and 2014 before making history at the 2022 tournament by advancing to the semi-finals after defeating the United States women's national under-17 soccer team on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
The 2026 edition will feature 24 teams, with four African nations expected to qualify alongside hosts Morocco.
Defending champions North Korea will also be aiming to retain their crown after winning the previous edition.