Nigeria’s Flamingos, powered by players Queen Joseph and Awawu Bashiru, play Japan in the U17 Women’s World Cup final in Rabat on Saturday, after becoming the first African team to reach that stage.
Nigeria have their final. The Flamingos, the country’s U17 women’s team, take on Japan on Saturday 7 November 2026 at the Mohammed VI Complex in Rabat, Morocco, for the world title. A first for an African national team at this level, according to an official FIFA post on Thursday 5 November 2026 relayed by Opera News.
The Nigerian side reached the last step after a run capped by a demonstration in the semi-final against Brazil (3-1). Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the second half, and substitute Awawu Bashiru, brought on during the match, scored twice.
An opening defeat, then five wins
The Flamingos nevertheless started their tournament badly, losing 2-1 to Poland in their opener. They reacted quickly by beating Puerto Rico 2-0, before coming from behind to beat reigning champions North Korea 3-1 and get out of their group, according to Opera News.
The rest of the run confirmed that rise in power. In the round of 16, Nigeria beat Mexico 2-1, then Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals. In the semi-final, the Nigerians dominated Brazil 3-1, Queen Joseph opening the scoring in the second half before a brace from substitute Awawu Bashiru. Since their opening defeat, the Flamingos have won their next five matches.
Japan, the last hurdle in Rabat
Japan will be the last hurdle. They will try to stop a Nigerian team that has not lost since its defeat to Poland.
For the Nigerian players, the final crowns an unprecedented run for an African team in this competition. Japan and Nigeria meet on Saturday 7 November 2026 at the Mohammed VI Complex, in the tournament’s final match.