AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by becoming the first African team to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following a 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final in Morocco.
The Nigerian side produced an impressive second-half display at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to overcome the South Americans and secure their first-ever appearance in the final of the competition.
After a goalless first half, Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Awawu Bashiru struck twice to put Nigeria firmly in control. Greise Kelly pulled one back for Brazil in the 89th minute, but the Flamingos held on to secure a historic victory.
The result takes Nigeria into Saturday’s final against Japan, where they will have the opportunity to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
QUEEN JOSEPH BREAKS THE DEADLOCK
Both teams approached the contest cautiously, with Nigeria gradually growing into the game and creating opportunities through Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan, Kanyinsola Yusuf, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku.
Brazil also threatened through Pepe, but neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.
The Flamingos returned from the break with greater attacking intent and were rewarded in the 56th minute when Queen Joseph finished off an assist from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi to give Nigeria the lead.
The goal shifted the momentum in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flamingos growing in confidence as they continued to put pressure on the Brazilian defence.
BASHIRU BRACE PUTS NIGERIA IN CONTROL
Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 71st minute through Awawu Bashiru, who converted a pass from Queen Joseph to give the African side a two-goal cushion.
Bashiru completed her brace nine minutes later, finding the net in the 80th minute after being set up by Oluebube Umejiaku.
With Nigeria leading 3-0, Brazil faced an uphill task in the closing stages.
Greise Kelly eventually reduced the deficit in the 89th minute, finishing an opportunity created by Yasmin Queiroz, but the late goal proved insufficient as Nigeria saw out the remaining minutes to claim a 3-1 victory.
JAPAN AWAIT FLAMINGOS IN THE FINAL
Nigeria will now face Japan in Saturday’s final after the Asian side defeated defending champions DPR Korea 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their semi-final.
The Flamingos had previously reached the semi-finals in 2022, finishing third after defeating Germany in the bronze-medal match. Their victory over Brazil takes them a step further, securing Nigeria’s first appearance in the final and making them the first African side to achieve the feat.
Head coach Akeem Busari and his players will now turn their attention to the final, where they will have the opportunity to make another landmark achievement by bringing the country’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title to Africa.
The final is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, Morocco, with kick-off set for 7:30 PM Nigerian time.
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