Flamingos Beat Brazil 3-1 to Reach First-Ever U-17 Women’s World Cup Final

Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the final of the 2026 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 side delivered an impressive second-half performance, scoring three goals to secure their place in the title decider against Japan.

Bashiru Scores Twice as Nigeria Overcome Brazil

After a goalless first half, Queen Joseph opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 56th minute, converting an assist from Oluwakemi Adegubyi.

Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 71st minute, with Joseph providing the assist, before scoring her second goal in the 80th minute from a pass by Oluebube Umejiaku.

Brazil reduced the deficit in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, assisted by Yasmin Queiroz, but Nigeria held on to secure a 3-1 victory.

Nigeria Set Up Final Clash with Japan

The victory sends the Flamingos into their first-ever final of the competition, where they will face Japan, who defeated defending champions North Korea in the other semi-final.

Nigeria’s previous best performance at the tournament was a third-place finish in 2022, when the team defeated Germany on penalties to claim the bronze medal.

Remarkable Comeback After Opening Defeat

The Flamingos’ journey to the final has been marked by a strong recovery after they began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.

They responded with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico before defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1, ending the Asian side’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition.

Nigeria finished second in Group B with six points from three matches, scoring six goals and conceding four.

In the knockout stage, the team defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16 before edging Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals, with Azeezat Oduntan scoring an 89th-minute penalty.

The Flamingos also arrived in Morocco after winning the WAFU B U-17 tournament, where they recorded five victories, scored 17 goals and conceded just once.

Having now surpassed their previous best performance at the World Cup, the Nigerian girls will be aiming to complete their historic campaign by lifting the trophy against Japan.

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