Flamingos of Nigeria will seek to make history on Saturday as they face Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, with supporters able to watch the decisive encounter live and free on FIFA+.
The final, scheduled for November 7, will kick off at 7.30pm Nigerian time at Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Fans can stream the match on FIFA+, with coverage also available through DAZN.
The encounter will be the 52nd and final match of the tournament and the first meeting between Nigeria and Japan at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. It will also be the first time both countries meet in a global final.
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Nigeria will be chasing their maiden title and become the first African country to win the competition if they overcome the Japanese side.
The Flamingos' journey to the final has been marked by a remarkable recovery after losing 2-1 to Poland in their opening group match.
They bounced back with a narrow victory over Puerto Rico before defeating defending champions DPR Korea 3-1 in one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
The Nigerian girls followed that result with victories over Mexico and Venezuela before beating Brazil in the semi-finals to secure their first-ever appearance in the final.
Queen Joseph has been one of Nigeria's standout performers, particularly against Brazil, where she scored and provided an assist to help the Flamingos reach the historic milestone.
Japan, however, will present a difficult challenge after winning all their group-stage matches without conceding a goal.
The Asian side recovered from falling behind against Kenya in the round of 16 to win 3-1 before edging Ghana to reach the semi-finals.
They subsequently overcame DPR Korea after coming from behind in the closing stages, benefiting from a late own goal before winning the contest on penalties to book their place in a fourth U-17 Women's World Cup final.
Japan forward Mei Hanashiro will be one of the players Nigeria must contain. She has scored four goals and provided one assist in the tournament.
Joseph will carry Nigeria's attacking hopes, with her pace and ability to create scoring opportunities making her one of the Flamingos' major threats.
Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai said his players were determined to finish the competition as champions.
“We don't want to stop here. We'll continue moving forward, prepare as well as we can for the final, and give everything we have to become world champions,” he said.
Japan captain Honoka Yotsumoto also expressed confidence, saying the team's progress had strengthened their belief.
“We've managed to overcome barriers that had held us back for so long, one step at a time – that has given us a lot of confidence. Now we have just one more match to win, and we're determined to make history,” she said.
Nigeria coach Akeem Busari said his players would maintain the determination and approach that helped them defeat DPR Korea.
He said the team had studied Japan's playing philosophy, particularly their passing patterns, high defensive line and the involvement of their full-backs in attacking moves.
“I'm excited and I'm happy, but we just really want to pick up the trophy. That would be the icing on the cake,” Busari said.
Joseph described reaching the final as a privilege, adding that the team were carrying the hopes of the continent.
“I feel very happy. Playing in the final is a big privilege, representing my country in the final is a big privilege for me,” she said.
“I'm super proud of myself and my team because we made history. We are not here just representing Nigeria; we are here representing Africa as a whole.”
Saturday's encounter will also be Japan's 50th match in the history of the competition, with only DPR Korea having played more.
Shirai will become the most experienced coach in the tournament's history in terms of appearances, with the final marking his 16th match.
A Nigerian victory would also create another record, making the Flamingos the first team to lose their opening match and go on to win the U-17 Women's World Cup.
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