Flamingos target historic U-17 World Cup title against Japan – Businessday NG

Nigeria’s Flamingos will bid to make history by becoming the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup titles in both the men’s and women’s categories when they face Japan in Saturday’s 2026 final in Rabat, Morocco.

The final is scheduled for Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex and presents Nigeria with an opportunity to claim its first title in the women’s competition and add to the country’s record five triumphs in the men’s U-17 World Cup.

The Flamingos have expressed their determination to produce the performance of their lives, lift the trophy and dedicate the historic achievement to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nigeria’s campaign has been a story of recovery and growing confidence. The team started slowly, losing 2-1 to Poland in their opening match before recording a less convincing victory over Puerto Rico.

Read Also: Tinubu charges Flamingos to win first U-17 Women’s World Cup title

However, they recovered strongly, defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1 in their final group match to qualify for the knockout stage as runners-up.

Mexico were next to fall, losing 2-1 in the Round of 16, before Nigeria defeated Venezuela in the quarter-finals. The South Americans had earlier eliminated Germany.

The Flamingos then produced their most commanding performance of the tournament, beating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals. Nigeria dominated the encounter, registering 30 attempts on goal and creating several opportunities before Brazil scored a late consolation goal.

The victory underlined Nigeria’s attacking strength and secured the country’s first-ever appearance in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s attacking strength

The Flamingos have scored 12 goals in this year’s tournament, with eight players contributing to their tally, demonstrating the depth of their attacking options.

Oluebube Umejiaku leads the team’s scoring chart with three goals, while Awawu Bashiru and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi have scored twice each. Kanyinsola Yusuf, Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan, Precious Oscar and Azeezat Oduntan have contributed one goal apiece.

Oduntan, who took over the captaincy following Harmony Chidi’s move to the bench, has provided leadership on the pitch. She also kept her composure to convert a late penalty in Nigeria’s difficult quarter-final encounter against Venezuela.

Coach Hakeem Busari and his assistants have also earned credit for their tactical adjustments and effective use of the squad.

Bashiru’s performance against Brazil was particularly notable. Having played only 73 minutes as a substitute before the semi-final, the midfielder was selected ahead of Tosin Rafiu and responded with two goals to help Nigeria reach the final.

Japan pose a formidable challenge

Japan will present a very big test for the Flamingos, having built an impressive record in the competition.

Saturday’s final will be Japan’s fourth appearance in the title decider. They won the competition in 2014, defeating Spain 2-0 in Costa Rica, but lost the finals in 2010 and 2016.

Japan secured their place in this year’s final in dramatic fashion, benefiting from a last-minute own goal by North Korean defender Won Sol-gyong to draw their semi-final 1-1 before winning on penalties.

The Flamingos, however, will take confidence from their victories over North Korea and Brazil and their ability to produce goals from different players.

Nigeria have also established themselves as a consistent presence in the competition, having featured in every edition since its inception except the 2018 tournament in Uruguay, which they missed after losing to Cameroon on the away-goals rule in the final round of African qualifying.

NFF confident of historic triumph

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has expressed confidence that the Flamingos can overcome Japan and deliver the country’s first title in the women’s U-17 competition.

“The NFF has confidence in the ability of the Flamingos to make Nigerians beam with smiles of joy on Saturday. 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,” Ikpeme said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe are also expected to attend the match.

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