Nigeria’s Flamingos have booked their place in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after securing an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco, on Wednesday.
The victory over Brazil secured Nigeria's first-ever appearance in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, surpassing their previous best of third place in 2022.
Coach Akeem Busari’s side will now face Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, with the ambition of claiming the world title.
Brazil started the encounter brightly, but the Flamingos gradually took control, putting the South Americans under sustained pressure and forcing them deep into their own half.
Nigeria dominated the first half, registering nine shots on target, while Brazil failed to record an attempt on goal.
The Flamingos maintained their attacking intensity after the break and were rewarded in the 56th minute when Queen Joseph opened the scoring, converting a pass from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi.
Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 71st minute with a spectacular strike that left the Brazilian defence helpless.
Bashiru struck again in the 80th minute to complete her brace and put the result beyond doubt. The forward showcased her individual brilliance by dribbling past the Brazilian defence before firing into the net.
Brazil managed to pull one back in the 89th minute through Kelly, who found the net with a superb header.
However, the late consolation was insufficient to change the outcome as Nigeria held on to secure a convincing victory and book their place in the final.
The Flamingos will now turn their attention to Saturday’s showdown against Japan, where they will seek to crown their impressive campaign by lifting the trophy.
Nigeria's results from the opening match to the semi-final:
Nigeria 1–2 Poland
Nigeria 2–0 Puerto Rico
Nigeria 3–1 North Korea
Nigeria 2–1 Mexico
Nigeria 1–0 Venezuela
Nigeria 3–1 Brazil
