Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history by reaching the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after producing a stunning 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Flamingos, thus, become the first African side to reach the final of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The World Cup is being hosted by Morocco.
The Nigerian girls delivered a commanding second-half performance to overcome the South Americans, scoring three unanswered goals before Brazil grabbed a late consolation.
After a goalless first half, Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, converting a pass from Omowunmi Adegbuyi to give Nigeria the lead.
The Flamingos doubled their advantage in the 71st minute when Amina Bashiru finished off a move initiated by Joseph, putting Nigeria firmly in control of the encounter.
Bashiru struck again in the 80th minute, completing her brace after receiving an assist from Umejiaku to extend Nigeria’s lead to 3-0.
Brazil managed to pull one back in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, who scored from a pass by Queiroz, but the late goal did little to change the outcome.
The Flamingos held on to secure a memorable 3-1 triumph and book their place in the final, marking a landmark achievement for Nigerian women’s football at the age-grade level.
Nigeria’s attacking dominance was reflected in the match statistics. The Flamingos recorded 41 attempts on goal against Brazil’s eight, while also creating five big chances compared with none for their opponents.
Although Brazil enjoyed 58 per cent possession, Nigeria were far more threatening in the final third, registering 65 touches in the opposition box against Brazil’s 11.
The victory sends the Flamingos into the final, where they will play Japan.