Nigeria's Flamingos defeated Brazil 3-1 in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday evening to become the first African team to reach the final of the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup, according to allAfrica.com.
Queen Joseph scored once and Awawu added two more as the Nigerian side, coached by Hakeem Busari, built a three-goal lead over the South Americans. Brazil's winger Greise Kelly pulled one back in stoppage time, but Nigeria held firm to secure the historic result.
The Flamingos will now face Japan in Saturday's final, where they will aim to go one step further and claim the trophy.
Why it matters
No African team had previously reached the final of this tournament, and Nigeria's win over Brazil — one of the traditional powers in women's youth football — marks a significant moment for the African game. The result also puts the Flamingos within one match of a world title, a prospect that carries weight well beyond the squad itself.
The scale of the performance adds to its significance. According to allAfrica.com, Nigeria produced at least 30 attempts at goal, with eight on target, while Brazil managed only four shots across the entire match. By that measure, the Nigerian victory was not a narrow escape but a dominant display against a side with a strong reputation at youth level.
A one-sided semifinal
The scoreline was shaped early by Nigeria's attacking intent. Joseph's goal and Awawu's double gave the Flamingos a cushion that allowed them to control the game, and the team stayed organised after Kelly's late consolation for Brazil.
The statistics cited by allAfrica.com underline how rarely Brazil threatened. Four shots in a World Cup semifinal is a modest return, and Nigeria's defensive discipline in the closing stages ensured the result was never seriously in doubt. Punch Newspapers, Premium Times Nigeria, Vanguard News and CAFOnline.com all reported the same 3-1 outcome.
For Busari's young squad, the match offered evidence of both attacking output and composure — a combination that will be tested again on Saturday.
Japan await in the final
Japan reached the final earlier on the same day, overcoming defending champions North Korea 4-1 on penalties after the two sides finished regulation time level at 1-1. The Japanese team therefore arrives at the final having come through a tense, low-scoring contest, while Nigeria's route was built on a high-volume attacking performance.
The final pairs two sides with contrasting semifinal experiences: one that won comfortably and one that needed a shootout. Nigeria will also carry the weight of being the first African team to reach this stage, a fact that will draw attention from across the continent.
AllAfrica.com notes that the Flamingos "will aim to do better with one more win" against Japan on Saturday.
The final is scheduled for Saturday in Morocco, where Nigeria will attempt to convert a breakthrough tournament into a first title.
