By TheDailyNewsHub Reporter
Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have reached the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time after defeating Brazil 3-1 in their semi-final encounter in Morocco.
The Nigerian youngsters produced an impressive second-half performance on Wednesday, November 4, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to secure their historic qualification.
After a goalless first half, Queen Joseph broke the deadlock 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 through Awawu Bashiru, who converted a pass from Joseph to put the Nigerian side in a commanding position.
Bashiru struck again in the 80th minute, completing her brace after receiving a pass from Oluebube Umejiaku to extend Nigeria’s lead to 3-0.
Brazil managed to reduce the deficit in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, who scored following an assist from Yasmin Queiroz. However, the late goal was insufficient to change the outcome as Nigeria held on to secure a memorable victory.
The result represents a landmark achievement for Nigerian women’s football, as the Flamingos become the first African team to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2008.
Nigeria had previously reached the semi-finals in 2022, when the team finished third after defeating Germany in the bronze-medal match. Their latest victory takes them beyond that previous achievement.
The Flamingos will now face Japan in the final on Saturday, November 7, as they seek to become the first African nation to win the tournament.
Japan secured their place in the final after defeating defending champions North Korea 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their semi-final encounter.
The achievement adds to Nigeria’s growing record in women’s football. The country’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, also made headlines after winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), extending their continental title record to 10. TheDailyNewsHub previously reported that President Tinubu fulfilled his $100,000 cash reward promise to each Super Falcons player following their WAFCON triumph.
With a place in the final secured, the Flamingos now have an opportunity to create another milestone for Nigerian and African football when they take on Japan.