Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured a historic place in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Brazil 3-1 in their semi-final clash in Morocco.
The Nigerian youngsters produced an impressive second-half performance on Wednesday, November 4, to overcome their South American opponents and move within one victory of claiming their first world title at the competition.
After a goalless first half, Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, giving Nigeria the lead and rewarding the team’s attacking efforts.
The goal lifted the Flamingos, who continued to put pressure on Brazil in search of another breakthrough.
Their persistence paid off in the 71st minute when Awawu Bashiru found the net to double Nigeria’s advantage. Bashiru struck again in the 80th minute, completing her brace and putting the Nigerian side firmly in control at 3-0.
Brazil managed to reduce the deficit through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but the late goal was insufficient to change the outcome as Nigeria held on for a memorable victory.
The result takes Nigeria into the final for the first time in the history of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
It also guarantees the country at least a silver medal, surpassing the Flamingos’ previous best performance at the tournament. Nigeria finished third at the 2022 edition in India after winning the bronze medal.
The victory over Brazil completes an impressive turnaround for the Nigerian team, who began their 2026 campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.
They recovered with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea before defeating Mexico in the Round of 16.
In the quarter-final, the Flamingos edged Venezuela 1-0 through an 89th-minute penalty converted by captain Azeezat Oduntan.
Their semi-final victory over Brazil now marks their fifth win in the competition and confirms their place in the tournament's biggest match.
Nigeria will face Japan in Saturday’s final after the Asian side defeated defending champions North Korea in the other semi-final.
The Japanese team secured qualification following a dramatic encounter that ended in a penalty shootout.
For head coach Hakeem Busari and his players, the final presents an opportunity to complete an extraordinary campaign by winning Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The Flamingos have already made history by reaching the final. Their next challenge is to turn that achievement into a world championship triumph.