Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final for the first time in history after defeating Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat, Morocco.
The Nigerian girls produced an impressive second-half performance to overcome the South Americans and book their place in Saturday’s final.
After a goalless first half, Queen Joseph opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 56th minute, finishing off a pass from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.
Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 71st minute, with Queen Joseph providing the assist.
Bashiru completed her brace in the 80th minute after receiving a pass from Oluebube Umejiaku to give the Flamingos a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Brazil pulled one back through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but Nigeria held on to secure a memorable 3-1 victory.
The win marks a major achievement for Nigerian football as the Flamingos become the first African team to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria will now face Japan in Saturday’s final, with an opportunity to become the first African country to win the competition.
Japan booked their place in the final after defeating defending champions North Korea 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Flamingos will be hoping to go one step further than their 2022 campaign, when they finished third after defeating Germany in the bronze medal match.
Having overcome their opening group-stage defeat to Poland, Nigeria have now beaten Puerto Rico, North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil on their way to the final.
Coach Akeem Busari and his girls are now just one victory away from making more history by winning Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
