Nigeria reach first-ever U17 Women’s World Cup final after beating Brazil

Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time after a 3-1 semi-final win over Brazil on Wednesday.

The Nigerian side produced a strong second-half display at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco to overcome their South American opponents and move within one victory of the title.

There was little to separate the teams during a goalless first half, although both sides created openings. Nigeria carried the greater attacking threat, with Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku, Mary Akpan Dunstan, Kanyinsola Yusuf and Favour Nkwocha all troubling the Brazilian defence and goalkeeper.

Brazil also had chances of their own, but neither team could find the decisive touch before the interval. The evenly balanced contest changed after the break when Nigeria finally made their pressure count.

Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, putting the Flamingos 1-0 ahead. The goal gave Nigeria greater confidence and shifted the momentum of the semi-final in their favour.

They continued to press for a second goal and were rewarded in the 71st minute. Awawu Bashiru found the net to double the advantage and put Nigeria in a commanding position.

Bashiru then struck again 11 minutes later, completing her brace in the 80th minute and extending Nigeria’s lead to 3-0.

Brazil did not give up and reduced the deficit in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly. The late goal, however, came too late to alter the outcome as Nigeria held on for a 3-1 victory.

The result secures a landmark final appearance for the Flamingos, who had never previously reached the deciding match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria will play Japan in the final on Saturday, November 7. The match will give them the opportunity to win their first title in the competition’s history.