Nigeria's Flamingos qualify for FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after 8-5 aggregate win over Benin
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Nigeria's Flamingos secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup by defeating Benin's Amazons 5-3 in Lomé, achieving an 8-5 aggregate victory. Coach Akeem Busari's team built on their 3-2 first-leg win in Ikenne with another strong offensive performance. Mary Dustan opened the scoring for Nigeria in the sixth minute, but Benin quickly equalized. Ester Stephen then put the Flamingos back in front in the 15th minute, followed by Queen Joseph extending the lead to 3-1 in the 20th minute. Benin managed to score twice to narrow the gap, but Nigeria added two more goals to seal the 5-3 win. The aggregate triumph highlighted Nigeria's attacking prowess, with eight goals scored across both qualifying matches. Coach Busari praised his players' determination and attacking spirit, stating they showed resilience and deserved the qualification. The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, from October 17 to November 7.
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Following the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, there is increased pressure on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to replicate this intelligence-led operation across Nigeria. Families of victims, religious and community leaders, civil society organizations, and opposition politicians are urging the Federal Government to secure the release of hundreds of other schoolchildren, women, and citizens still held captive in states like Borno, Kwara, and Kaduna. In Borno State, families of 78 students abducted in separate Boko Haram attacks expressed renewed hope but also frustration over the prolonged silence regarding their children's fate. Similarly, in Kwara State, the rescue has reignited calls for action concerning 176 women and children abducted earlier this year. Kaduna State also faces pleas for rescue, with reports indicating some captives may have died. Public affairs analysts and political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, are advocating for the Oyo model to be a template for nationwide operations, emphasizing the need for equal attention across all regions and proactive measures to prevent abductions. The Presidency, through the President's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, stated that President Tinubu has directed security and intelligence agencies to secure the release of all Nigerians in captivity, regardless of location.
The National Industrial Court in Abuja has mandated the deployment of at least one police lawyer to every police station across Nigeria, in line with the Police Act 2020. Justice O. Y. Anuwe issued this order while ruling on a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA against the Police Service Commission and others. The court also prohibited police officers not employed in the Specialist Legal Cadre from representing the Nigeria Police Force in civil proceedings. The NBA had argued that many police officers with law degrees were not converted to the Specialist Legal Cadre but continued to provide legal services and represent the police in court, which violates Rule 8 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The court affirmed the NBA's legal standing to institute the suit, adopting a liberal approach to locus standi in public interest litigation. Justice Anuwe stated that deploying police lawyers to stations would enhance legal oversight within the Force and improve compliance with human rights standards during police operations. The NBA, in a statement, hailed the judgment as a significant step towards strengthening the rule of law and institutional reforms within the Nigeria Police Force, promoting professionalization of police legal practice, and improving access to legal advice at police divisions.
Five people, including four children, died in Ikot Anwatim Community, Calabar Municipality, Cross River, following landslides caused by 48 hours of heavy rainfall. The landslides also destroyed two houses and injured two residents, according to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency CR-SEMA. CR-SEMA Director-General, Mr Efa Nyong, led an assessment team to the affected community, conveying the Cross River Government’s condolences and assuring victims of support through humanitarian interventions. Nyong emphasized the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters and urged residents in prone areas to report land cracks and obey evacuation directives. The assessment team recommended immediate humanitarian assistance, sustained medical care for the injured, a comprehensive geotechnical assessment, and intensified public sensitization on landslide risks, including potential relocation for those in high-risk areas. An affected resident, Mr Bassey Patrick, commended the prompt response and appealed for urgent emergency assistance for the bereaved and displaced families.