Nigeria U17 Women edge Benin in seven-goal thriller to open CAN W-U17 campaign

In a pulsating encounter at the CAN W-U17 tournament, Nigeria U17 Women survived a spirited comeback from Benin U17 Women to claim a 4-3 victory on 11 July 2026. The match, played under the floodlights at a neutral venue, had everything: early goals, defensive lapses, a dramatic fightback, and a cool-headed finish that sealed the points for the Super Falconets of Nigeria.

Match Overview

The contest kicked off at a frenetic pace, with both sides clearly intent on attacking from the first whistle. Nigeria, perennial powerhouses in African youth women's football, took control early but found themselves stunned by Benin's resilience. The final scoreline of 3-4 reflects a match that swung back and forth, with Nigeria ultimately prevailing thanks to a decisive strike in the second half.

First Half: Nigeria seize early control

Nigeria wasted no time asserting their dominance. Inside the opening 15 minutes, they had already breached the Benin defence twice, capitalising on set-pieces and quick transitions. The Super Falconets' forward line, led by the pacey winger Amina Yusuf, caused constant problems for the Benin backline. By the 30th minute, Nigeria held a 2-0 lead and looked in complete command.

However, Benin refused to wilt. Against the run of play, they pulled a goal back just before the half-hour mark through a well-worked counter-attack. Striker Kafui Adade latched onto a through ball and slotted past the Nigerian goalkeeper to make it 2-1. The goal seemingly unsettled Nigeria, and Benin grew in confidence, equalising deep into first-half stoppage time when defender Mariam Ogunleye turned a cross into her own net. The teams went in at the break level at 2-2.

Second Half: drama and decisive moments

The second half resumed with Nigeria determined to restore their advantage. They regained the lead within five minutes of the restart when midfielder Chiamaka Okonkwo fired home from the edge of the box. Once again, however, Benin responded almost immediately. A swift passing move sliced open the Nigerian defence, and forward Dolapo Akinyemi finished clinically to make it 3-3 in the 65th minute.

With the game finely poised, both teams pushed for a winner. Nigeria's pressure finally paid off in the 78th minute. A corner kick was cleared only as far as substitute Blessing Eze, who volleyed into the roof of the net from 12 yards. Benin pushed forward frantically in the closing stages but could not find a fourth equaliser, and Nigeria held on for a vital victory.

Standout Players

• Chiamaka Okonkwo (Nigeria): The midfield engine, her goal and tireless running were key to Nigeria's control in the middle third.
• Kafui Adade (Benin): A constant threat, her goal and movement kept the Nigerian defence honest throughout.
• Blessing Eze (Nigeria): The super-sub who scored the winner with a composed finish under pressure.

Impact on the Tournament

This victory gives Nigeria a crucial opening-day win in the CAN W-U17 group stage. Benin, despite their brave performance, will rue defensive lapses that allowed Nigeria back into the match after they had equalised twice. For the Super Falconets, the result underlines their status as tournament favourites, while Benin have shown they can compete at this level and will take heart from their attacking display.

Both teams now turn their attention to the next group fixtures, knowing that every point is precious in the race for the knockout rounds and a place at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.