Nigeria beat Brazil 3-1 with a Bashiru brace and will play Africa's first-ever U-17 Women's World Cup final

Nigeria beat Brazil 3-1 in Rabat on Wednesday to become the first African team ever to reach a U-17 Women's World Cup final. The Flamingos, who had never gone beyond the semi-finals, will face Japan on Saturday 7 November. Brazil, the last South American side standing at Morocco 2026, will play North Korea, the reigning champions, for third place on the same day.

A Nigerian second half

The first half ended goalless. Ten minutes into the second, Queen Joseph put Nigeria ahead from inside the box. Then came Awawu Bashiru: she made it 2-0 in the 71st minute and 3-0 in the 80th to complete her brace. Brazil pulled one back through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but there was no time for more.

Nigeria's tournament: from a loss to Poland to the final

Nigeria opened the World Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Poland and have won every game since: 2-0 against Puerto Rico, 3-1 against North Korea to close Group B, 2-1 against Mexico in the round of 16, 1-0 against Venezuela in the quarter-finals thanks to a penalty by captain Azeezat Oduntan, and now 3-1 against Brazil. Their previous best at this level was the bronze medal at India 2022; on Saturday they are guaranteed at least silver.

Brazil, with bronze in mind

Brazil had arrived after an up-and-down run: they won Group C (6-2 against Canada, 3-3 with Ghana and 3-0 against Norway), drew 3-3 with Poland in the round of 16 before going through 8-7 on penalties, and came from behind to beat China 2-1 in the quarter-finals with a Helena Sampaio brace. Against Nigeria there was no comeback: Greise Kelly's goal came too late. They now face North Korea, who lost the other semi-final, in the third-place match.

Japan, the opponent: 1-1 and 4-1 on penalties

In the day's first semi-final, Japan knocked out North Korea on penalties (4-1) after a 1-1 draw: Ri Ui Gyong put the Koreans ahead in the 52nd minute and a Won Sol Gyong own goal in stoppage time forced the shootout. Japan will play their fourth U-17 World Cup final.

What's next: final and third place (Argentina time)

• Third place, Brazil vs North Korea: Saturday 7 November, 12:00 (15:00 UTC).
• Final, Japan vs Nigeria: Saturday 7 November, 15:30 (18:30 UTC), at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Sources: CAF, Gazeta Esportiva, Metrópoles, EFE (via Infobae), Deportes RCN, 365Scores, TVC News, Daily Trust.