Nigeria’s Flamingos Reach Historic U-17 Women’s World Cup Final After Beating Brazil

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 encounter in Morocco on Wednesday, November 4.

The victory marks the first time Nigeria have reached the final of the competition and makes the country the first African nation to achieve the feat.

The Nigerian side produced a commanding second-half performance at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat after both teams went into the break without scoring.

Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, finishing a move created by Oluwakemi Adegbuyi to give Nigeria the lead.

The Flamingos continued to press and doubled their advantage in the 71st minute through Awawu Bashiru, who converted a pass from Joseph.

Bashiru struck again in the 80th minute, completing her brace and putting Nigeria firmly in control at 3–0. Brazil managed to reduce the deficit through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but the late goal could not prevent the South Americans from exiting the competition.

The result sends Nigeria into the final against Japan, who secured their place after defeating defending champions North Korea 4–1 on penalties following a 1–1 draw in their semi-final.

The final is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco. It presents the Flamingos with an opportunity to win Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.

Nigeria’s journey to the final has included a 1–0 quarter-final victory over Venezuela, secured through an 89th-minute penalty converted by captain Azeezat Oduntan. The team had also overcome strong opposition to reach the knockout stages.

The Flamingos previously reached the semi-finals in 2022, when they finished third after winning the bronze medal. Their latest achievement takes the team a step further and gives Nigeria an opportunity to become the first African country to win the U-17 women’s global championship.

The victory has also drawn attention to the growing presence of African teams in international women’s youth football, with Nigeria now carrying the continent’s hopes into Saturday’s final.

Head coach Akeem Busari and his players will now turn their attention to Japan, with the Nigerian side seeking to convert their historic qualification into a first world title.