RABAT: Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have secured a place in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after recording an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in their semi-final encounter.
The Nigerian youngsters delivered a remarkable performance at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, to move within one victory of lifting the tournament trophy.
After a goalless first half, the Flamingos returned from the break with greater attacking determination, scoring three goals to overcome their Brazilian opponents.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute after receiving an assist from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, giving Nigeria the breakthrough they had been seeking.
The Flamingos doubled their advantage in the 71st minute when Awawu Bashiru found the back of the net, putting the Nigerian side in a comfortable position.
Bashiru struck again in the 80th minute to complete her brace and extend Nigeria’s lead to 3-0. Her second goal came after she was set up by Oluebube Umejiaku.
Brazil managed to pull one goal back in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, but the South American side could not prevent Nigeria from securing a convincing 3-1 victory.
Following their victory over Brazil, the Flamingos will now face Japan in the final of the competition.
Japan booked their place in the championship match after defeating North Korea 4-1 on penalties. Their semi-final encounter had ended 1-1 after regulation time.
The final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Morocco, where Nigeria will have the opportunity to claim the coveted U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
The victory over Brazil represents another significant milestone for the Flamingos, who have reached the semi-final stage of the competition for only the second time in their history.
Nigeria previously reached the last four in 2022, when the team went on to win the bronze medal at the tournament held in India.
The latest achievement further highlights the progress of Nigeria’s young women’s football team and provides an opportunity to improve on their previous best performance.
The Flamingos secured their semi-final ticket with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezuela in Sunday’s quarter-final encounter.
Captain Azeezat Oduntan scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute after Oluebube Umejiaku was fouled inside the penalty area.
Brazil, meanwhile, had reached the semi-finals after overcoming China 2-1 in the quarter-finals. They had earlier defeated Poland in the round of 16, winning 8-7 on penalties following an entertaining 3-3 draw.
With Brazil now behind them, attention has shifted to Saturday’s final against Japan.
Coach Akeem Busari and his players will be hoping to maintain their impressive form and produce another outstanding performance to secure Nigeria’s first U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The Nigerian team will also be seeking to make history by converting their impressive run in Morocco into a championship victory.
For the Flamingos, the task is now clear: defeat Japan and bring the trophy home.
