Nigeria’s Flamingos will meet Japan in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final at the Complexe Mohammed VI in Rabat, with the young Nigerian side determined to return home with the title.
Victory would make Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U17 World Cup in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions.
The players have also pledged to win the cup and hand it over to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The campaign began with setbacks, as the Flamingos suffered a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their first fixture before labouring to overcome Puerto Rico.
They then defeated reigning champions and two-time title holders Korea DPR 3-1. Mexico, a strong and physical opponent, were beaten 2-1 in the Round of 16, while Venezuela — the tournament surprise package after eliminating Germany — were dispatched in the quarter-finals.
The semi-final brought their most emphatic display, with Nigeria overpowering Brazil 3-1. The Flamingos registered 30 attempts at goal and could have had six goals before Brazil scored a late consolation.
Nigeria have found the net 12 times during the tournament, with eight different players contributing, underlining the strength of the squad.
Oluebube Umejiaku is the leading scorer with three goals, while Awawu Bashiru and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi have each scored twice. Kanyinsola Yusuf, Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan, Precious Oscar and skipper Azeezat Oduntan have all added one goal.
Coach Hakeem Busari has impressed with his tactical adjustments and player rotation, repeatedly unsettling opposing teams. Bashiru had accumulated only 73 minutes off the bench before being selected to start against Brazil, but she repaid the decision by scoring twice.
Japan, however, represent a formidable final opponent. They hold the competition record for goals scored, with 150 across its history, and are appearing in their fourth final. Japan previously won the tournament in 2014.
They needed late drama to get through their semi-final, as a Korea own goal forced the match into a penalty shoot-out.
Acting NFF General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme said: “If Brazil could not stop them, I don’t see Japan doing so. This is surely the year of the Flamingos.”
A high-level Federal Government delegation, headed by National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, is set to attend the match in Rabat. FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF president Patrice Motsepe are also expected to be present.
