Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have reached the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time after defeating Brazil 3-1 in their semi-final encounter in Morocco on Wednesday.
The Nigerian youngsters will face Japan in Saturday’s final after the Asian side defeated defending champions North Korea 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the other semi-final.
The victory marks a historic achievement for Nigeria, who have become the first African nation to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos had previously recorded their best performance at the competition in 2022, when they finished third after defeating Germany in the third-place match.
Against Brazil, Nigeria produced an impressive second-half display, scoring three goals to secure their place in the final.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute following an assist from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi before Awawu Bashiru doubled the advantage in the 71st minute, with Joseph providing the assist.
Bashiru completed her brace in the 80th minute after receiving a pass from Oluebube Umejiaku to extend Nigeria’s lead to 3-0.
Brazil reduced the deficit through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but the South Americans could not prevent Nigeria from securing a historic victory.
The result also continued Nigeria’s impressive run in the knockout stages after victories over Mexico in the Round of 16 and Venezuela in the quarter-finals.
The Flamingos had earlier recorded a mixed group-stage campaign, losing their opening match 2-1 to Poland before recovering with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea.
Their upcoming meeting with Japan presents Nigeria with an opportunity to win their first-ever U-17 Women’s World Cup title and become the first African country to lift the trophy.
Japan, however, will provide a difficult challenge after eliminating the defending champions to secure their place in the final.
The final is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, in Morocco.
