Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final after securing an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in their semi-final clash in Morocco.
The Nigerian youngsters delivered a commanding second-half performance, scoring three goals to overcome the South Americans and book their place in the tournament’s final, where they will face Japan.
After a goalless first half, the Flamingos returned with renewed determination and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute through Queen Joseph, who converted an assist from Oluwakemi Adegubyi.
Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 71st minute when Awawu Bashiru finished off a pass from Joseph to make it 2-0.
Bashiru completed her brace nine minutes later, converting Oluebube Umejiaku’s delivery to extend Nigeria’s lead to 3-0 and put the game beyond Brazil’s reach.
Brazil managed to pull one goal back in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, who was assisted by Yasmin Queiroz. However, the late consolation goal could not prevent Nigeria from celebrating a historic victory.
The result sends the Flamingos into their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, with Japan awaiting them after defeating defending champions North Korea in the other semi-final.
Flamingos Bounce Back from Opening Defeat
Nigeria’s journey to the final has been a remarkable story of resilience after their campaign began with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Poland.
The team responded positively with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico, with Oluwakemi Adegubyi and Precious Oscar getting on the scoresheet.
They followed that result with an outstanding 3-1 win over North Korea, ending the defending champions’ impressive 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition.
Adegubyi, Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Rodiat Yusuf scored in that encounter to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the tournament.
The Flamingos finished second in Group B with six points after scoring six goals and conceding four in their three group matches.
Nigeria Overcome Mexico and Venezuela in Knockout Stages
Nigeria continued their impressive run in the knockout rounds with a 2-1 victory over Mexico in the round of 16.
Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan scored in either half to secure qualification, while Emily Delgado’s late goal was insufficient to rescue Mexico.
The Nigerian team subsequently defeated Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals to reach the last four.
Azeezat Oduntan proved to be the match-winner, converting an 89th-minute penalty to send the Flamingos into the semi-finals, where they produced their memorable performance against Brazil.
Flamingos Chase Nigeria’s First U-17 Women’s World Cup Title
Reaching the final represents Nigeria’s best-ever performance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, surpassing their previous achievement of finishing third in 2022.
At that tournament, the Flamingos defeated Germany on penalties to claim the bronze medal.
Nigeria also entered the Morocco competition in impressive form after winning the WAFU B U-17 title with a perfect record of five victories from five matches.
They scored 17 goals and conceded just once during the regional tournament, underlining their attacking strength and defensive organisation.
Now, with Brazil out of the way, the Flamingos have their sights firmly set on Japan and a historic opportunity to win Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
A victory in the final would mark a landmark achievement for Nigerian women’s football and further establish the Flamingos as one of the leading teams in youth women’s football.