Flamingos make history, sweep past Brazil to reach first U-17 World Cup final

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...To meet Asian heavyweight Japan in the final 

By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 

Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured a historic place in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final after producing an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil, with a sensational second-half performance sending the West Africans into their first-ever appearance in the tournament’s title decider.

The team, led by coach Akeem Busari, delivered a commanding display against the South Americans, turning their first-half dominance into three goals after the interval to move within one victory of an historic world title.

Nigeria threatened repeatedly before the break, with Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi all coming close to breaking the deadlock. However, Brazil managed to survive the early onslaught.

The breakthrough finally arrived after the restart when Adegbuyi drove in from the right and directed a low effort into Joseph’s path. 

The Nigerian forward made no mistake, guiding the ball past the Brazilian goalkeeper to put the Flamingos ahead.

Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a cross that unexpectedly sailed over goalkeeper Nathy and found its way into the far corner.

Bashiru then produced a moment of individual brilliance to put the contest beyond Brazil. 

At the end of a slick Nigerian attacking move, the forward showed excellent composure to evade a defender before calmly slotting home her second goal of the evening.

Brazil managed to pull one back through Greise Kelly, who headed home late in the encounter, but the goal proved little more than a consolation as Nigeria held on to complete a memorable victory.

Earlier, Japan booked their place in the final through an equally dramatic route, recovering from a late setback to force a penalty shootout against DPR Korea before eliminating the two-time defending champions.

The stage is now set for a historic showdown, with Nigeria chasing their maiden FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title and a chance to crown an outstanding campaign with global glory.

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