A brace from Awawu Bashiru and a strike from Queen Joseph earned Nigeria’s Flamingos a 3-1 win against Brazil to reach the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup in Morocco on Wednesday.
The Flamingos are now the first African team to qualify for the final of the U-17 women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s best ever finish before now was third place in India 2022 when they lost to Colombia on penalties in the semi and beat Germany on penalties to claim the bronze.
Victory over Brazil means the Flamingos will now face Japan in the final on Saturday, October 7. The Japanese got to the final after defeating reigning champions North Korea 4-1 via penalty shootout after regulation time ended 1-1.
After a goalless first half, the Flamingos broke the deadlock in the 56th minute thanks to Joseph, who slotted home from close range after Oluwakemi Adegbuyi’s initial effort was blocked.
In the 71st minute Bashiru made it 2-0 as her lob close to the corner flag sailed over the Brazilian keeper.
Then with 10 minutes left Awawu got her second goal to make it 3-1, finishing off a brilliant interchange of passes.
Also Read: 2026 U-17 WWC: Bashiru Wins Player Of The Match In Flamingos’ Victory Over Brazil
With just one minute left Brazil pulled a back through Greise Kelly but it was just a consolation strike as the Flamingos held on to advance to the final.
It has been an incredible turnaround for Nigeria. After losing their opening Group B game 2-1 to Poland, the Flamingos have gone on to win five straight matches.
MATCH STATISTICS
Nigeria 3-1 Brazil
Scorers:
Nigeria: Queen Joseph (56th min), Awawu Bashiru (71st, 80th mins)
Brazil: Greise Kelly (89th min)
BRAZIL LINEUP
1. Nathy
2. Isa Rech
4. Yasmin Queiroz
5. Andreyna (C)
6. Sarah Coelho
15. Marcela Bontorim
8. Carol Melo
10. Helena
17. Pepe
11. Sofia Gamonal
13. Greise Kelly
SUBSTITUTIONS
Kaillany Ranifah (Carol Melo, 87 min)
Gigi Pires (Pepe, 68 min)
Indy (Sofia Gamonal, 68 min)
HEAD COACH: M Rilany
NIGERIA LINEUP
1. Jane Ijirigho
3. Azeezat Oduntan (C)
5. Ohunene Sunday
13. Esther Stephen
19. Kanyinsola Yusuf
8. Mary Dunstan
10. Favour Nkwocha
11. Awawu Bashiru
7. Queen Joseph
14. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi
17. Oluebube Umejiaku
SUBSTITUTIONS
Precious Oscar (Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, 84 min)
Harmony Chidi (Oluebube Umejiaku, 87 min)
HEAD COACH: Akeem Busari
By James Agberebi
