Nigeria could make history as the first African country to win the FIFA World Cup in both the men’s and women’s U-17 categories if they defeat Japan in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday.
The match will take place at Pitch 3 of the Complexe Mohammed VI. The Nigerian girls are determined to give their best and bring home the trophy.
The Flamingos started their journey with a 2-1 loss to Poland and struggled to beat Puerto Rico. They then turned things around, defeating the two-time champions and defending winners Korea DPR 3-1 to advance as runners-up in their group. They followed that with a 2-1 win over Mexico in the Round of 16 and then overcame Venezuela in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-finals, they won against Brazil 3-1, taking 30 shots on goal. Brazil managed to score a consolation goal just one minute before the end of the match.
Nigeria has scored a total of 12 goals in this tournament, with eight players contributing. Oluebube Umejiaku leads with three goals, while Awawu Bashiru and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi have two each. Kanyinsola Yusuf, Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan, Precious Oscar, and Azeezat Oduntan each have one goal.
Oduntan was named captain after forward Harmony Chidi was put on the bench. She scored from the penalty spot with one minute left in the quarter-final against Venezuela. Bashiru only played 73 minutes as a substitute before starting against Brazil, where she scored two goals.
Japan made it to the final after a penalty shootout. They drew 1-1 with Korea DPR after defender Won Sol-gyong scored an own goal, then won the shootout 4-1.
Head coach Akeem Busari said the team needs to replicate their performance against Korea DPR.
“It’s just about showing the same character and playing the same way we played with North Korea, because they play with the same philosophy,” he explained.
“I’m excited, and I’m happy, but we just really want to pick up the trophy.”
Japan’s coach Sadayoshi Shirai said his team is focused on finishing strong.
“We don’t want to stop here. We will continue moving forward, prepare as well as we can for the final, and give everything we have to become world champions,” he said.
Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, will be present at the final and has offered his support to the team.
“If Brazil could not stop them, I don’t see Japan doing so. This is surely the year of the Flamingos, and the year Nigeria will again celebrate a global title,” he stated.
A Federal Government delegation led by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, will also attend the match. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe will be there too.
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