The national under-17 women football team have arrived in Benin for their return leg fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup qualifiers.

The Flamingos and their officials arrived Benin on Tuesday night and were received by the Permanent Secretary, Edo Sports Commission, Sabina Chikere.

Ms Chikere, after receiving them, said the government and people of Edo were fully ready to host the second round second leg match and any other international competition.

“We are ready both on and off the field of play. We have done our integrity test on our pitch to make sure it is ready for any International competition of this nature. Our training pitches are there and ready for use, and we have put stadium security in place for the game. Both accommodation and transportation logistics have long been put in place,” she explained.

She added, “So, we are not expecting any hitches from our side. We are ready.”

Ms Chikere also said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other national sports federations can make good use of the standard facilities available at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

“We are always ready to host any international event. We have shown that we have the capacity,” she further stated. “We have hosted the Super Eagles here, and we have hosted the National Sports Festival (NSF). So, all are welcome to Edo.”

The Flamingoes, being coached by Bankole Olowookere, had defeated their Congolese opponents 3-0 in the first leg match played on March 6 in Kinshasa.

The DRC team is expected to arrive in Benin on Thursday for the match slated for Saturday.

(NAN)