By Teddy Nwanunobi
With Brazil now behind them, Nigeria’s Flamingos have turned their attention to Japan as they prepare for the country’s first-ever appearance in a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
The Flamingos made history at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, on Wednesday night, by beating Brazil 3-1 to advance to the final for the first time.
After a goalless first half, Nigeria came back in the second half of the semi-final of the competition, with a 56th minute goal from Flamingos’ Queen Joseph to open the scoring. It was followed by a brace from Awawu Bashiru, who scored in the 71st and 80th minutes. The South Americans’ only goal came from Greise Kelly in the 89th minute.
Ahead of the game against Japan at the Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 3) in Salé on Saturday (November 7), Nigeria will be looking to cap their historic campaign by lifting the trophy for the first time.
Speaking after the game against Brazil, Coach Akeem Busari expressed his delight at the result, while acknowledging the technical quality of the Brazilian side.
”It’s an awesome thing. It’s a great achievement. Reaching the final is a plus for our country, it’s a plus for our football. We are happy, the class (is) happy.
”It was a key contest, and it wasn’t an easy one. Brazil really showed the stuff they have technically, but we tried to really block the view of their passing line. So, we had to show character. (We played) really, really bravely. We appreciate the class because they are young. We could only encourage them and tell them what they need to do to make the final,” Busari said.
Qualifying for the final is not yet Uhuru for the team, as they are chasing a historic triumph that would make them the first nation outside Europe and Asia to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Speaking after the win, Busari admitted that he wants his players to complete their historic journey by beating Japan in the final, and winning the trophy.
”It’s just for us to tell the girls: ‘It’s another game. We are playing Japan. It is another different ball game, (a) different character.’
”It is just for us to concentrate. Let’s put the icing on the cake. Let’s be focused, and let’s finish the job because the job is not yet done.
”The ambition is to return home with the trophy. We are still in (the) process because the semi-final we know we are on the medals table, but the trophy is the major thing our country wants. We want it as well. We just need to fight,” Busari said.