By Stephen Simon
Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the final of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time in history after defeating Brazil 3-1 in their semi-final encounter in Rabat, Morocco.
The Nigerian youngsters produced an impressive second-half performance on Wednesday to overcome their South American opponents and secure a place in Saturday’s final against Japan.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 56th minute before Awawu Bashiru extended the advantage with a fine finish in the 71st minute.
Bashiru completed her brace nine minutes later to give Nigeria a commanding 3-0 lead.
Brazil managed a consolation goal through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but the Flamingos held on to secure a memorable victory.
The achievement represents Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the competition, surpassing the bronze medal won by the team at the 2022 edition in India.
Nigeria had previously reached the semi-finals in that tournament but lost to Colombia before defeating Germany to claim third place.
The latest victory also marks an impressive recovery for the Nigerian side, which began its campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.
The Flamingos subsequently recorded victories over Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico and Venezuela before overcoming Brazil in the semi-finals.
Their quarter-final victory over Venezuela was secured through an 89th-minute penalty converted by captain Azeezat Oduntan.
Nigeria will now face Japan in the final with the opportunity to claim its first-ever title at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The victory has already guaranteed the country at least a silver medal, marking a historic achievement for Nigerian women’s youth football.
