Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final after defeating Brazil 3-1 in Morocco on Wednesday. The historic victory marks the first time any Nigerian team has advanced to the championship match since the competition began.
Both sides struggled to create clear openings during the first half, which ended goalless at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. However, Nigeria returned after the break with greater urgency, pressing Brazil and creating opportunities around the opposition penalty area consistently.
Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, finishing Oluwakemi Adegubyi’s assist to give Nigeria a deserved advantage. That breakthrough lifted the Flamingos, who continued attacking and forced Brazil to defend deeper as the second half progressed.
Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 71st minute after receiving a well-timed pass from teammate Queen Joseph. The forward struck again nine minutes later, completing her brace and putting Nigeria firmly in control at three goals.
Brazil refused to surrender and found a consolation goal through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute of the encounter. Nevertheless, Nigeria protected its advantage until the final whistle, celebrating a landmark result against one of football’s traditional powers.
The victory takes the Flamingos beyond their previous best tournament finish, when they claimed bronze at the 2022 edition. Furthermore, Nigeria’s route to the final has featured strong responses after an opening defeat against Poland during the group stage.
They recovered with important victories, then eliminated Mexico and Venezuela before producing their statement performance against Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final. Japan now stands between Nigeria and the trophy after defeating North Korea in the other semi-final through a penalty shootout.
The Flamingos will enter Saturday’s final seeking Nigeria’s first title and a historic triumph for African women’s youth football.
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