Nigeria’s Flamingos are one win away from making African football history. The young Nigerians have reached their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
Their historic achievement came after a convincing 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final in Morocco. They will now face Japan for the championship on Saturday.
The Nigeria Flamingos have also become the first African team to reach the final of the competition. Another victory would make Nigeria the first African country to win the U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Both teams struggled to create clear chances during the first half. Nigeria, however, returned with greater energy after the interval.
Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. She found the net after receiving a pass from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.
The goal lifted Nigeria’s confidence and increased pressure on Brazil’s defence. Awawu Bashiru extended the lead in the 71st minute.
Queen Joseph provided the assist, allowing Bashiru to finish and put Nigeria ahead by two goals.
Bashiru struck again in the 80th minute. This time, Oluebube Umejiaku supplied the assist for Nigeria’s third goal.
Brazil managed to reduce the deficit through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute. Yasmin Queiroz provided the assist.
However, the late goal could not stop Nigeria from securing a 3-1 win. The result sent the Flamingos into their first final.
Japan secured the other final spot after defeating defending champions DPR Korea. The match ended 1-1 before Japan won 4-1 on penalties.
Nigeria will now face Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The championship match is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, Morocco.
Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
The Flamingos previously reached the semi-finals in 2022. They finished third after defeating Germany in the bronze-medal match.
Now, Nigeria has a bigger opportunity to make history.
