U-17 World Cup: Flamingos make history, set up Japan final

Nigeria's Flamingos are one victory away from claiming their maiden FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title after overcoming Brazil 3-1 to reach the final of the competition for the first time.

The Nigerian side's historic qualification in Morocco on Wednesday surpassed their previous best performance of a third-place finish at the 2022 edition in India.

The Flamingos will face Japan in Saturday's final after the Asian side eliminated defending champions North Korea on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Awawu Bashiru emerged as Nigeria's match-winner against Brazil, scoring twice in the second half after Queen Joseph had opened the scoring.

Following a goalless first half, Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with an assist from Oluwakemi Adegubyi.

Bashiru extended Nigeria's lead in the 71st minute after receiving a pass from Joseph before completing her brace in the 80th minute through Oluebube Umejiaku's delivery.

Brazil's Greise Kelly scored a consolation goal in the 89th minute, but the Flamingos held on to secure the victory.

The victory capped an impressive recovery by Nigeria, whose campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage.

They subsequently defeated Puerto Rico 2-0 and North Korea 3-1 to finish second in Group B with six points.

Nigeria then beat Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16 before edging Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals, with captain Azeezat Oduntan converting an 89th-minute penalty.

Their 3-1 victory over North Korea in the group stage was particularly significant, as it ended the defending champions' 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the tournament.

The Flamingos also arrived in Morocco after winning the WAFU B U-17 title with five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.

With Japan standing between them and the trophy, Nigeria will be seeking to become world champions for the first time in the competition's history.