Nigeria’s Flamingos claimed the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup title with a 4-0 triumph over Togo in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, on September 27, 2026. The victory marked a perfect campaign for the team, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, scoring 17 goals and conceding just two. Captain Chidera Harmony was instrumental, scoring twice from the penalty spot in the first half, with Oluebube Umejiaku and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi adding goals in the second half to seal the win. The result capped a five-match winning streak for the Flamingos, who dominated possession and maintained defensive solidity against their West African rivals.
Coach Hakeem Busari praised his team’s “attacking efficiency and defensive discipline” after the victory, which serves as critical preparation for Nigeria’s upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign in Morocco. Acting Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme commended the Flamingos for “making the nation proud,” highlighting their ability to win all five matches as a “distinction.” He also thanked WAFU-B for organizing the tournament, calling it a “premium preparatory event” for the global competition. Ikpeme expressed confidence in the team’s potential to achieve “great things” in Morocco, where they will face top-tier international opponents.
The Flamingos, who previously won bronze at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, return to Nigeria on Tuesday after their WAFU-B success. Their performance in the sub-regional tournament underscored their readiness for the global stage, with the 4-0 final victory over Togo reflecting their tactical cohesion and clinical finishing. The win also reinforces Nigeria’s status as a dominant force in women’s youth football across West Africa, with the NFF emphasizing the tournament’s role in developing talent ahead of major international events.
The victory over Togo follows a series of high-stakes matches for the Flamingos, including a qualification campaign for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and a 4-0 loss to Italy in a recent friendly. Despite the setback against Italy, the team’s resilience in the WAFU-B tournament demonstrated their capacity to adapt and excel under pressure. With the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup set to begin next month, the Flamingos’ triumph in Côte d’Ivoire has positioned them as strong contenders in the global competition, backed by the NFF’s continued support and investment in youth development programs.