Nigeria’s Flamingos have booked a historic place in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after producing an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final in Morocco.
The Nigerian youngsters delivered a commanding second-half performance at the Mohammed VI Football Complex to overcome the South Americans and secure their first-ever appearance in the final of the competition.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 55th minute, before Awawu Bashiru struck twice in the 71st and 80th minutes to put Nigeria firmly in control.
Brazil managed a late consolation through Greise Kelly, who headed home in the 89th minute following a cross from Yasmin, but the Flamingos held on to complete a memorable victory.
The result sends Nigeria into Saturday’s final against Japan, who earlier eliminated defending champions DPR Korea in the other semi-final.
Japan Eliminate Defending Champions to Reach Final
Japan secured their place in the final after overcoming DPR Korea 4-1 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after regulation time.
DPR Korea took the lead through Ri Ui-gyong in the 52nd minute, but Japan forced a late equaliser in the 90+5th minute when Won Sol-gyong scored an own goal.
With neither side able to find a winner, the contest proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Japan converted four attempts while DPR Korea managed just one.
The result ended DPR Korea’s pursuit of a third consecutive world title and handed Japan an opportunity to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2014.
Historic Milestone for Nigeria
The victory represents a landmark achievement for Nigerian women’s youth football, as the Flamingos will contest their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
Nigeria previously reached the semi-finals in 2022 in India, where they defeated Germany in the third-place match to claim the bronze medal.
Four years later, Akeem Busari’s side have gone a step further, guaranteeing the country at least a silver medal and an opportunity to compete for its first world title at this level.
The achievement is particularly impressive considering Nigeria’s difficult start to the tournament, losing 2-1 to Poland in their opening Group B fixture.
The Flamingos subsequently recovered with victories over Puerto Rico, defending champions DPR Korea, Mexico and Venezuela before eliminating Brazil in the semi-finals.
Their 3-1 group-stage victory over DPR Korea was also significant, ending the Asian side’s eight-year unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition, according to FIFA.
Brazil Face DPR Korea in Third-Place Match
For Brazil, the defeat ends their hopes of reaching a first final after consecutive semi-final appearances.
The South Americans, who finished fourth at the 2025 edition in Morocco, will now face DPR Korea in Saturday’s third-place match.
Japan and Nigeria will subsequently contest the championship, with both nations seeking another opportunity to establish themselves as world champions at U-17 level.
