Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured a historic place in the final of the 2026 FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup after defeating Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Sale, Morocco.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring, while Awawu Bashiru netted twice to seal Nigeria’s victory. Graise Kelly scored Brazil’s only goal in the encounter.
Before the match at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, the Flamingos’ best performance at the tournament was winning the bronze medal in the 2022 edition.
However, following their impressive victory over Brazil under head coach Akeem Busari, the Nigerian side are now just one match away from claiming the country’s first global title in women’s football.
The first half ended without a goal, but the contest came alive shortly after the break. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi drove into Brazil’s penalty area before her mishit effort fell into Joseph’s path, allowing the forward to slot the ball home and give Nigeria the lead.
Bashiru extended the advantage minutes later with an ambitious cross-shot from the left byline that floated over the players and into the net.
The forward completed her brace after finishing off a well-worked attacking move in which the Flamingos passed their way through the Brazilian defence before finding the net.
Brazil managed a late consolation goal, but it was not enough to prevent Nigeria from securing a place in the final after a dominant display.
The Flamingos will now face Japan, who defeated North Korea on penalties, in Saturday’s final.