U-17 World Cup: Nigeria’s Flamingos to Face Japan in Historic Final

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will face Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after making history with a 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals.

The Flamingos secured their first-ever appearance in the final of the competition after defeating the South Americans on Wednesday night, becoming the first African team to reach the tournament’s final.

Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, finishing off an assist from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi to give Nigeria the lead.

The Flamingos doubled their advantage in the 71st minute when Awawu Bashiru found the net, with Queen Joseph again providing the assist.

Bashiru struck again in the 80th minute to make it 3-0, this time converting a pass from Oluebube Umejiaku as Nigeria took firm control of the encounter.

Brazil pulled one back in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, assisted by Yasmin Queiroz, but the goal came too late to threaten Nigeria’s victory

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Mr Patrice Motsepe, congratulated the Nigerian team on their historic achievement, saying they had made Africa and the continent’s football governing body proud.

Mr Motsepe also confirmed that he would travel to Rabat, Morocco, to watch Nigeria take on Japan in the final scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at 6:30 pm local time.

Nigeria’s qualification marks a significant milestone for African women’s football, as no team from the continent had previously reached the final of the U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Ghana finished third at the 2012 edition, while Nigeria claimed the bronze medal in 2022.

Both countries secured third place after defeating Germany in the bronze medal matches.

The Flamingos will now seek to become the first African side to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup when they meet Japan in Saturday’s final.

Japan defeated defending champions, North Korea, 4-1 on penalties after playing a 1-1 draw in regular time.