Flamingos Celebrate Brave Win as They Aim for Historic Title

Nigeria’s Flamingos showed their strength against Brazil, securing a spot in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Head coach Akeem Busari praised his players for their bravery, discipline, and determination.

On Wednesday night, the Nigerian team played well, dominating the game and making it hard for Brazil to keep up. The Flamingos had 35 attempts at goal, while Brazil only managed seven. This clearly showed Nigeria’s control throughout the match.

Brazil scored just one goal, a late consolation from Greise Kelly in the 89th minute. Nigeria won the match 3-1 and is now one step away from a historic title.

For Busari, reaching the final is a big win for the players and for Nigerian and African football.

After the match, the coach expressed his happiness with the result but also acknowledged Brazil's skill.

“It’s an awesome thing, it’s a great achievement,” Busari said. “Reaching the final is a plus for our country, it’s a plus for our football. We are happy, the class are happy.

“It was a key contest and it wasn’t an easy one. Brazil really showed the stuff they have technically, but we tried to really block the view of their passing line. We had to show character. [We played] really, really bravely. We appreciate the class because they are young. We could only encourage them and tell them what they need to do to make the final.”

Journey to the Final

The Flamingos’ road to the final has a familiar World Cup story. Nigeria took inspiration from Argentina’s comeback in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina lost their first match to Saudi Arabia but bounced back to win the trophy, becoming the second team to do so after Spain in 2010. Four years later, Nigeria followed a similar path in the U-17 Women’s World Cup, overcoming their opening loss to Poland with a strong performance that led them to the final.

Queen Joseph, who scored the first goal against Brazil, shared that Argentina’s success gave the team hope.

“We took the Argentina spirit from the [2022] World Cup after losing our first game,” Joseph said. “They came back and won the trophy, so we are hoping to God Almighty that we are going to win the trophy.

“I feel very happy. Playing in the final is a big privilege, representing my country in the final is a big privilege for me. 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.”

Star Player

While the whole team deserves praise, Awawu Bashiru stood out during the game against Brazil.

She had not started any of the Flamingos’ six previous matches and had only played 73 minutes before Wednesday. But when she got her first start, she scored twice, helping Nigeria secure a spot in the final.

Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award, and she was clearly excited about her achievement.

“Today was my first start, so I’m so happy, I’m so excited,” Bashiru said, holding her award. “I’m so proud of myself, my team-mates, my coach, and the teamwork. We did it, and it was not an easy task. I thank God. I’m grateful.”

Looking Ahead

With Brazil behind them, Nigeria is now focused on Japan as they prepare for their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.

This next challenge will not be easy, but the Flamingos can draw confidence from their earlier win over DPR Korea, which they beat 3-1 in the group stage.

Busari believes that match could give them an advantage as they prepare for the final, especially since Japan and DPR Korea have similar playing styles.

The coach expects his players to show the same discipline, bravery, and tactical skill that helped them beat North Korea and Brazil.

“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,” Busari said. “They want to build the ball, they look at the high line of passes, they want their full-backs to support, so we really want to look at all that.

“I’m excited and I’m happy and the class were happy, but we just really want to pick up the trophy. That would be the icing on the cake.”

Nigeria has already made history by reaching their first final in this competition. Now, with Japan in their way, Busari and his players have a chance to turn this journey into a golden chapter for Nigerian and African women’s football.