Nigeria’s Flamingos make history with Brazil win to reach U-17 World Cup final

Nigeria’s Flamingos reached the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup for the first time after beating Brazil 3-1 in Morocco on Wednesday.

The victory makes Nigeria the first African team to qualify for the final of the competition. They will face Japan on Saturday, October 7, after Japan defeated reigning champions North Korea 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after regulation time.

Nigeria had previously reached the semi-finals in India in 2022, where they lost to Colombia in a penalty shootout before beating Germany on penalties to finish third.

The semi-final against Brazil was goalless at half-time, but Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute. She reacted quickest after Oluwakemi Adegbuyi’s effort was blocked and finished from close range.

Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 71st minute when her attempt from near the corner flag looped over the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Bashiru added her second goal 10 minutes from time, completing a fluent passing move to put the Flamingos 3-0 ahead.

Brazil pulled one back through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but the goal proved to be only a consolation as Nigeria protected their lead and secured a place in Saturday’s final.

The result represents a significant turnaround for Nigeria, who began their Group B campaign with a 2-1 defeat by Poland. They have since won five consecutive matches.

Nigeria 3-1 Brazil

Goals: Nigeria – Queen Joseph (56), Awawu Bashiru (71, 80); Brazil – Greise Kelly (89).

Brazil’s starting line-up was Nathy, Isa Rech, Yasmin Queiroz, Andreyna (captain), Sarah Coelho, Marcela Bontorim, Carol Melo, Helena, Pepe, Sofia Gamonal and Greise Kelly. Gigi Pires replaced Pepe in the 68th minute, Indy came on for Sofia Gamonal at the same time, and Kaillany Ranifah replaced Carol Melo in the 87th minute. The head coach was M Rilany.

Nigeria started with Jane Ijirigho, Azeezat Oduntan (captain), Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen, Kanyinsola Yusuf, Mary Dunstan, Favour Nkwocha, Awawu Bashiru, Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku.

Precious Oscar replaced Oluwakemi Adegbuyi in the 84th minute, while Harmony Chidi came on for Oluebube Umejiaku in the 87th. Nigeria’s head coach is Akeem Busari.