Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history after defeating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Wednesday, November 4, to qualify for the final for the first time.
A second-half brace from Awawu Bashiru and an opening goal from Queen Joseph secured the historic victory for Akeem Busari’s side at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, Morocco.
Brazil’s Greise Kelly scored a late consolation goal, but it was not enough to prevent the South American side from crashing out of the competition.
Flamingos dominate second half against Brazil
Both teams entered the encounter determined to secure a place in Saturday’s final.
Brazil, who had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, attempted to impose their attacking style, while Nigeria looked to build on their impressive victories in the knockout rounds.
Despite efforts from both sides, the opening 45 minutes ended without a goal.
Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Queen Joseph found the net to put the Flamingos ahead.
The goal boosted Nigeria’s confidence as the team continued pressing for another breakthrough.
Bashiru scores twice to seal historic victory
Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 71st minute, putting the Flamingos firmly in control of the encounter.
The midfielder completed her brace nine minutes later, scoring Nigeria’s third goal in the 80th minute.
Brazil attempted to stage a late comeback and pulled one goal back through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute.
However, Nigeria held on to secure a convincing 3-1 victory and book their place in the tournament’s final.
Nigeria reach first-ever U-17 Women’s World Cup final
The result represents a major milestone for Nigerian women’s football, as the Flamingos had never previously reached the final of the competition.
Nigeria’s best performance before this year’s tournament came in 2022, when the team finished third in India.
The Flamingos began their 2026 campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland but recovered to defeat Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea in the group stage.
They subsequently eliminated Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16 before securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals.
The victory over Brazil now gives Nigeria an opportunity to compete for the world title.
Flamingos to face Japan in final
Nigeria will face Japan in the final on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Japan booked their place in the final earlier on Wednesday after defeating defending champions North Korea 4-1 on penalties.
The encounter ended 1-1 after regulation time before the Japanese side secured victory in the shootout.
Brazil will face North Korea in the third-place playoff on the same day.
The Flamingos will now turn their attention to Japan as they seek to become the first Nigerian team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
