Nigeria U-17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, have made history by defeating Brazil in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco to secure their first-ever appearance in the final of the competition.
The Nigerian Flamingos delivered an impressive performance, scoring three second-half goals to overcome the Brazilian side and achieve a historic milestone in their World Cup campaign.
The Flamingos started the encounter with determination and intensity, remaining alert to every ball from the opening whistle. Nigeria’s defensive line produced an important intervention in the third minute, while goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho made a crucial clearance two minutes later to prevent Brazil from creating a dangerous opportunity.
Brazil also threatened early, but an attempt from a set-piece situation went over the crossbar.
Nigeria responded with attacking pressure, as Queen Joseph attempted to break the deadlock in the 10th minute, but her effort went over the target.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi came close to opening the scoring in the 16th minute, only for the Brazilian goalkeeper to deny her opportunity. The Flamingos continued their pressure with another attempt from a free kick two minutes later, but Brazil’s defensive line remained resolute.
Queen Joseph subsequently received a cross from Oluebube Umejiaku but could not convert the opportunity, while another effort from the forward was intercepted by a Brazilian defender.
Rodiat Yusuf also tested the Brazilian defence with a free kick in the 34th minute, but her attempt went over the crossbar.
Favour Nkwocha came close to breaking the deadlock with a powerful long-range effort, which struck the side of the post as the first half ended goalless.
The Flamingos returned for the second half with renewed momentum and eventually found the breakthrough in the 56th minute.
A brilliant attacking move initiated by Oluwakemi Adegbuyi set up Queen Joseph, who finished confidently to give Nigeria the lead and register her first goal of the tournament.
The Nigerian side continued to dominate proceedings and doubled their advantage in the 71st minute. Queen Joseph spotted the opportunity and delivered the ball to Awawu Bashiru, who calmly finished to extend the Flamingos’ lead.
Nigeria further strengthened their advantage through another impressive team move, as Oluwakemi Adegbuyi delivered a brilliant cross towards Oluebube Umejiaku before Awawu Bashiru completed her brace to make it three goals for the Flamingos.
Bashiru’s second goal marked a remarkable contribution in her first start of the tournament, as the Nigerian youngsters continued to demonstrate their attacking quality and determination.
The final whistle confirmed a historic victory for Nigeria, sending the Flamingos into their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
The achievement represents a significant milestone for the Nigerian youth women’s national team, who will now look forward to competing for the title as they continue their remarkable journey in Morocco.
