One win from history: Nigeria's Flamingos soar into U-17 final

Nigeria's U-17 women's national team beat Brazil 3-1 in Rabat on Wednesday to reach the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final for the first time, becoming the first African side to do so since the tournament began in 2008.

The semi-final was goalless at half-time. Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, Awawu Bashiru added goals in the 71st and 80th minutes — Joseph assisting the second — and Brazil's Greise Kelly pulled one back in the 89th minute, assisted by Yasmin Queiroz. Three goals in 34 minutes turned a cagey match into a landmark result.

Head coach Akeem Busari made one change to the starting XI that beat Venezuela in the quarter-finals, with Awawu Bashiru replacing Tosin Rafiu. Bashiru's two goals made that decision decisive.

Nigeria's route to the final followed an opening 2-1 defeat to Poland, then wins over Puerto Rico (2-0), defending champions North Korea (3-1) and Mexico (2-1). The quarter-final was settled by an 89th-minute Azeezat Oduntan penalty against Venezuela on Sunday, November 1.

The final is scheduled for November 7 in Morocco, with the third-place play-off also on that date. The Flamingos' previous best at this level was a third-place finish in 2022.

A first final for Nigeria — and a first for any African team in the tournament's history — is a landmark for Nigerian women's football. It also leaves the Flamingos one win from a world title.