Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final after defeating Brazil 3-1 in a thrilling semi-final encounter in Morocco.
The Nigerian team secured the historic victory on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring before Awawu Bashiru struck twice to seal Nigeria’s place in the final against Japan.
The result marks a major milestone for the country’s women’s youth football programme, guaranteeing Nigeria at least a silver medal for the first time in the competition.
Flamingos Dominate Second Half Against Brazil
Both teams created opportunities during the opening half, but neither side managed to break the deadlock before the interval.
Nigeria returned from the break with greater attacking momentum and took the lead in the 56th minute when Queen Joseph converted a pass from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.
The Flamingos doubled their advantage in the 71st minute through Bashiru, who finished an attacking move assisted by Joseph.
Bashiru completed her brace nine minutes later, scoring Nigeria’s third goal after receiving a pass from Oluebube Umejiaku.
Brazil reduced the deficit in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, but the late goal was not enough to prevent Nigeria from progressing.
The Flamingos maintained their lead until the final whistle, completing one of the most significant victories in the team’s history.
Nigeria Set to Face Japan in Final
Nigeria will face Japan in the tournament’s final on Saturday, November 7, after the Asian side defeated North Korea in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
The Flamingos previously reached the semi-finals of the competition in 2022, eventually winning the bronze medal in India.
Their latest achievement surpasses that record and presents an opportunity to secure Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The victory also represents a significant achievement for the players and coaching staff as Nigeria continues to develop its presence in international women’s football.
All attention now turns to Saturday’s final, where the Flamingos will seek to complete their historic campaign with the trophy.
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