AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Flamingos made history on Wednesday, beating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to reach the final for the first time as they wrote their names in a new chapter in the country’s illustrious football history.
The result at the Mohammed VI Football Complex lifts the Flamingos beyond anything a Nigerian side has achieved in the history of the tourament. Their previous best was third place in India in 2022, when they lost a semi-final shootout to Colombia before beating Germany for bronze. This time, Nigeria has guaranteed itself at least a silver medal.
Brazil arrived as a formidable opponent with loads of goals scored in the tournament. Head coach Rilany Silva had warned of a difficult contest and described the Flamingos as a physically strong team.
The first half ended goalles but the Flamingos put up a spirited second-half display that took the game away from the South Americans.
Queen Joseph scored the opener 10 minutes into the second half off a ball that fell to her path in the box.
Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 71st minute, with Queen Joseph providing the assist. Bashiru then added a third goal and put the tie beyond reach.
Brazil pulled one back in the 89th minute when Greise Kelly finished from Yasmin Queiroz’s assist. The goal came far too late to threaten the Flamingos, who held firm until the final whistle and began their celebrations.
The achievement caps a remarkable turnaround. Nigeria opened the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Poland, leaving little room for error. The Flamingos then won four matches on their way to the last four (including a 3-1 win over defending champions, North Korea) a new national record for victories at a single edition.
They beat Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16 and edged Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals, where Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th-minute penalty.
Before the semi-final, Busari told FIFA’s website that reaching the last four was “a dream come true” and “a great achievement.”
Nigeria will meet either Japan in Sunday’s final with the chance to claim the country’s first U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
