Head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, Akeem Busari, has described the team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final as a major achievement for the country.
The Flamingos booked their place in the final after defeating Brazil 3-1 in their semi-final clash in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Awawu Bashiru netted twice in the 71st and 80th minutes. Brazil scored a late consolation through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute.
The victory made Nigeria the first African country to reach the final of the competition and marked the team’s first-ever appearance in the title decider.
The achievement is particularly remarkable given that the Flamingos began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland before recovering to reach the final.
Reacting to the milestone, Busari told FIFA, “It’s an awesome thing; it’s a great achievement. Reaching the final is a plus for our country; it’s a plus for our football. We are happy.”
Nigeria will face Japan in Saturday’s final as they seek to win their first U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
