Written by Rahmon OluwoNigeria sports betting writer
Published 5 November 2026
Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time, beating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday. Awawu Bashiru scored twice as Nigeria set up a title clash with Japan on Saturday.
The win makes Nigeria the first African team to reach the tournament’s final and guarantees the country at least a silver medal. The Flamingos will face Japan in the final on Saturday 7 November.
Nigeria dominated the first half with nine shots on target, while Brazil failed to register a single attempt, but Brazil goalkeeper Nathy kept the game goalless.
Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, finishing off an assist from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi. Bashiru doubled the lead in the 71st minute and completed her brace in the 80th, dribbling past the Brazilian defence before finishing calmly. Brazil pulled one back in the 89th minute through a header by Kelly, but it came too late.
Coached by Akeem Busari, the Flamingos reached the last four after a 1-0 quarter-final win over Venezuela, with captain Azeezat Oduntan scoring an 89th-minute penalty. Nigeria’s previous best was third place in 2022, when they lost the semi-final to Colombia and beat Germany in the bronze-medal match.
Brazil, who finished fourth in 2025, were also chasing a first final appearance.
