Nigeria Make History, Beat Brazil 3-1 to Reach First-Ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Final
Awawu Bashiru scores twice as Nigeria's Flamingos defeat Brazil 3-1 to reach their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final, where they will face Japan.
Nigeria's Flamingos have become the first African team to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after defeating Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday's semi-final in Morocco.
The Flamingos produced an impressive second-half performance to overcome Brazil at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, securing a place in Saturday's final against Japan.
After a goalless first half, Nigeria found the breakthrough through Queen Joseph in the 56th minute. Awawu Bashiru then scored twice to put the African side firmly in control before Greise Kelly pulled one back for Brazil late in the game.
The victory takes Nigeria into their first-ever final of the competition and gives them an opportunity to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
Nigeria Take Control After Half-Time
Both teams started cautiously, but Nigeria gradually grew into the game and created several opportunities in the first half.
Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan, Kanyinsola Yusuf, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Favour Nkwocha all attempted efforts on goal as the Flamingos looked for an opening.
Brazil also threatened through Pepe, but neither side could find the breakthrough before the interval.
The teams went into half-time level at 0-0.
Nigeria returned for the second half with greater attacking intent and were rewarded in the 56th minute.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring after being set up by Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, giving the Flamingos a 1-0 lead. The forward celebrated with the familiar 'Siuuu' celebration as Nigeria took an important step towards the final.
The goal gave Nigeria greater confidence, and they continued to put pressure on the Brazilian defence.
Awawu Bashiru Scores Twice
Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 71st minute through Awawu Bashiru.
Queen Joseph provided the assist, setting up Bashiru to finish and give the Flamingos a two-goal cushion.
The midfielder was not finished. In the 80th minute, she struck again, this time converting an opportunity created by Oluebube Umejiaku to make it 3-0.
Bashiru's brace put Nigeria in a commanding position and left Brazil with a difficult task in the closing stages.
Brazil continued to search for a response, and Greise Kelly eventually reduced the deficit in the 89th minute after receiving an assist from Yasmin Queiroz.
However, the late goal was not enough to change the outcome as Nigeria held on to secure a 3-1 victory.
Nigeria Set Up Final Against Japan
The result confirms Nigeria's place in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, where they will face Japan.
Japan booked their place in the final earlier on Wednesday after defeating defending champions DPR Korea 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Nigeria had previously reached the semi-finals in 2022, when the Flamingos finished third after defeating Germany in the bronze-medal match.
The final is scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat.
Kick-off: 7:30 PM Nigerian time.
Their victory over Brazil takes the team a step further and guarantees Nigeria a place in the final for the first time in the competition's history.
Head coach Akeem Busari and his players will now turn their attention to Saturday's final, where they will have the opportunity to make more history by winning Nigeria's first FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.
Final: Nigeria vs Japan
The four semi-finalists have battled their way through, and only two countries remain in contention for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 title.
SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
📅 Wednesday, 4 November 2026
Japan U17 1-1 Korea DPR U17
Japan won 4-1 on penalties.Brazil U17 1-3 Nigeria Flamingos
FINAL FIXTURE
📅 Saturday, 7 November 2026
📍 Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, Rabat, Morocco
🕢 7:30 p.m. WAT
THE FINAL: HISTORY OR A SECOND CROWN?
Nigeria are chasing their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after becoming the first African nation to reach the final.
Japan, meanwhile, are aiming for their second title, having previously won the competition in 2014.
Will Nigeria make history or will Japan claim a second crown?
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