Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final after producing an outstanding 3–1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final in Morocco.
The Nigerian youngsters delivered a remarkable second-half performance, scoring three goals to overcome their South American opponents and move within one victory of becoming world champions.
The victory is particularly significant for Nigerian and African football, as the Flamingos have surpassed their previous best performance of third place at the 2022 edition in India. Channels Television+2
Queen Joseph opens the scoring
After a goalless first half, Nigeria returned with greater attacking intensity and eventually broke the deadlock in the 56th minute.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring for the Flamingos, finishing an opportunity created by an assist from Oluwakemi Adegubyi to give Nigeria a deserved 1–0 lead.
The goal lifted the confidence of the Nigerian players, who continued to put pressure on the Brazilian defence.
Awawu Bashiru scores a brace
Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 71st minute through Awawu Bashiru, who finished off a pass from Queen Joseph.
Bashiru was not finished. The forward struck again in the 80th minute, completing her brace after receiving a pass from Oluebube Umejiaku to put Nigeria firmly in control at 3–0.
Brazil managed to pull one goal back in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, but it was too late to change the outcome.
The match ended 3–1 in favour of Nigeria. Channels Television+2
A dominant performance by the Flamingos
Beyond the goals, Nigeria’s overall performance demonstrated their attacking quality and determination. The Flamingos registered an impressive 35 attempts on goal compared with Brazil’s seven, underlining their dominance in the encounter.
Brazil managed just one shot on target, which resulted in Greise Kelly’s late consolation goal.
Awawu Bashiru was particularly impressive, earning the Player of the Match award after scoring twice in what was her first start of the tournament. FIFA+1
Nigeria set up historic final against Japan
The victory sets up a final showdown against Japan on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Japan secured their place in the final after defeating defending champions North Korea in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw.
The Flamingos will now have an opportunity to make further history by becoming the first Nigerian team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Head coach Akeem Busari praised his players for their courage, discipline and determination, describing their qualification for the final as a great achievement for Nigerian football.
For the young Nigerian players, the opportunity to represent their country in a World Cup final is a significant milestone. They will also be carrying the hopes of millions of Nigerian supporters and African football fans. Premium Times Nigeria+2
Match Summary
Brazil 1–3 Nigeria
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup · Semi-final
Goalscorers
Nigeria
3
- Queen Joseph – 56′
- Awawu Bashiru – 71′, 80’Brazil1
- Greise Kelly – 89’Nigeria qualify for the final
Next match: Nigeria vs Japan – FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Final, November 7, 2026.
The Flamingos have made their country proud. One more victory stands between Nigeria and a historic world title.
Sources: FIFA, Confederation of African Football and Channels Television.
