Nigeria’s Flamingos made a commanding start to their 2026 WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup title defence, sweeping aside Niger Republic 5-0 in Yamoussoukro on Wednesday, Trybal News reports.
The defending champions took control from the opening whistle, dominating possession and dictating the tempo as Niger struggled to cope with Nigeria’s attacking intensity.
Captain Harmony Chidi opened the scoring in the 16th minute, putting the Flamingos deservedly ahead. Nigeria continued to apply pressure and eventually doubled their advantage through Awawu Bashiru, whose clinical finish capped a dominant first-half display.
The Flamingos thought they had added another before the break, but Adegbuyi’s effort was ruled out for offside. Niger offered little threat going forward, with Nigeria goalkeeper Onyiyechi Opara barely tested during the opening 45 minutes.
Nigeria continued where they left off after the interval, patiently building attacks while using their pace and creativity to stretch the Nigerien defence.
The pressure finally told late in the match. Ohunene Sunday made it 3-0 in the 83rd minute before Oluebube Umejiakuadded a fourth shortly afterwards.
There was still time for one more. Ayomide Rotimi completed the rout in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal a comprehensive 5-0 victory.
The result gives the Flamingos the perfect start to their title defence, combining five goals with a clean sheet and a performance that highlighted Nigeria’s attacking depth and control.
