Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will face Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with both countries seeking to crown impressive campaigns with the ultimate prize.

The Flamingos made history by becoming the first African team to reach the final following a remarkable 3–1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals.

Coached by Akeem Busari, Nigeria’s journey to the final has been one of resilience, determination and an impressive response to early disappointment.

The Flamingos began their campaign with a 2–1 defeat to Poland but bounced back with a 2–0 victory over Puerto Rico before stunning defending champions North Korea 3–1 to advance.

They continued their impressive run with a 2–1 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 before edging Venezuela 1–0 in the quarter-finals, courtesy of an 89th-minute penalty converted by captain Azeezat Oduntan.

Against Brazil in the semi-finals, the Nigerian youngsters produced another outstanding performance, with Queen Joseph opening the scoring in the 56th minute before Awawu Bashiru struck twice in the 71st and 80th minutes to secure a historic 3–1 victory.

JAPAN’S IMPRESSIVE ROAD TO THE FINAL

Their opponents, Japan, have equally demonstrated why they are among the favourites for the title.

The Asian side enjoyed an outstanding group-stage campaign, winning all their matches without conceding a goal.

Japan maintained their impressive form with a 3–1 victory over Kenya in the Round of 16 before defeating Ghana 1–0 in the quarter-finals to book their place in the last four.

However, their semi-final encounter against defending champions North Korea proved to be their toughest test.

Japan fought back with a dramatic injury-time equaliser to force a 1–1 draw before demonstrating their composure in the penalty shootout to secure qualification for the final.

The victory marked Japan’s return to the final of the competition, having previously reached the showpiece matches in 2010, 2014 and 2016. They won their only title in 2014 after defeating Spain 2–0.

A HISTORIC FINAL

Saturday’s encounter presents Nigeria with an opportunity to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, while Japan will be seeking a second title.

For the Flamingos, the mission is to complete a remarkable journey by bringing the coveted trophy home, while Japan will be determined to reassert their dominance in the competition.

The final is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.