FLAMINGOS EYE HISTORIC WORLD CUP GLORY AS THEY FACE JAPAN IN FINAL

Nigeria’s Flamingos will face Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, with history within their reach.

Victory would make Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories.

The Flamingos began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland but recovered with a win over Puerto Rico before defeating defending champions Korea DPR 3-1 to qualify for the knockout stages.

They subsequently overcame Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, defeated Venezuela in the quarter-finals and produced an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals, recording 30 attempts on goal.

Japan, however, will provide a tough test after defeating Korea DPR on penalties in the semi-finals, following a late own goal that forced the encounter into a shootout.

Nigeria have scored 12 goals in the tournament through eight different players, with Oluebube Umejiaku leading the scoring chart with three goals, while Awawu Bashiru and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi have scored twice each.

NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to win, while a Federal Government delegation led by National Sports Commission Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, is expected in Rabat alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe.