Harmony Chidi Hat-Trick Powers Nigeria’s Flamingos to Stunning 5-0 Win Over Guinea in 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, moved a significant step closer to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday after dismantling Guinea 5-0 in the first leg of their second-round qualifier, played at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

Captain Harmony Chidi was the standout performer of the afternoon, finishing the contest with a first-half hat-trick that effectively ended Guinea’s hopes of a competitive encounter before the interval. The forward opened the scoring with virtually the first meaningful attack of the match, giving coach Akeem Busari’s side an immediate foothold in the tie.

Chidi extended Nigeria’s lead in the 13th minute with a superb long-range strike, underlining the Flamingos’ attacking intent. The captain then completed her hat-trick with a composed finish in the 40th minute, sending the Flamingos into the break with a commanding 4-0 advantage.

In between Chidi’s third and fourth goals for the team, FC Robo Queens forward Oluwakemi Adegbuyi contributed to the rout by adding Nigeria’s third goal in the 37th minute, a product of sustained pressure and dominant ball retention throughout the opening period.

Nigeria showed no signs of easing off after the restart. Mary Dunstan added a fifth in the 56th minute to complete a thoroughly comprehensive performance and leave the aggregate scoreline beyond any realistic doubt ahead of the second leg.

The return fixture is scheduled to take place in Ikenne-Remo on May 30, 2026, where Nigeria will have the opportunity to seal progression to the next qualifying round in front of a home crowd. The original report from Pulse Sports Nigeria confirmed the result and scorers.

The Flamingos’ victory continues Nigeria’s strong tradition in African women’s youth football. The team has previously qualified for multiple editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and remains one of the continent’s most consistent performers at this age group level. A 5-0 first-leg lead represents one of the most decisive qualifying margins in recent memory for the side.

The result also arrives at a period of growing momentum for Nigerian women’s football more broadly. The senior national team, the Super Falcons, are separately preparing for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with preparatory friendlies against Senegal confirmed as part of their build-up.

With a five-goal cushion to protect, Busari’s squad will be expected to complete the formality of qualification when the second leg kicks off in Ikenne-Remo next Saturday, a result that would advance the Flamingos further in their campaign to reach the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.