Flamingos

By Peter Uwaifo

Nigeria’s Flamingos have made Nigerians proud by reaching their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, following a commanding 3-1 win over Brazil in their semi-final in Morocco.

After a goalless first half, the Nigerians stepped up after the break, scoring three times to put the contest beyond Brazil before conceding a late consolation goal.

Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, turning home Oluwakemi Adegubyi’s assist to put the Flamingos ahead.

Nigeria doubled their lead in the 71st minute through Awawu Bashiru, who finished off a pass from Joseph, before completing her brace nine minutes later. This time, Bashiru converted Oluebube Umejiaku’s delivery to give the Flamingos a commanding 3-0 advantage.

Brazil secured a consolation goal in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, who was set up by Yasmin Queiroz, but the late strike did little to change the outcome as Nigeria held on for a memorable victory.

The result takes the Flamingos into their maiden final at the tournament, where they will face Japan, who defeated defending champions North Korea in the other semi-final.

Nigeria’s qualification for the final represents a remarkable recovery after their campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland. They bounced back with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico, courtesy of goals from Oluwakemi Adegubyi and Precious Oscar, before producing one of their most impressive performances to defeat North Korea 3-1.

That victory was particularly significant, as it ended North Korea’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition. Adegubyi, Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Rodiat Yusuf were on target for Nigeria.

They began their journey through the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Mexico. Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan scored in either half, while Emily Delgado’s late effort proved insufficient to prevent the Mexicans from exiting the competition.

Nigeria then secured a place in the semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Venezuela. Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th- minute penalty to settle the quarter-final and set up the last-four meeting with Brazil.

The achievement takes the team beyond their previous best finish at the tournament — third place in 2022 — when they defeated Germany on penalties to claim the bronze medal.

The Flamingos had also arrived in Morocco in impressive form, having swept to the WAFU B U-17 title with a perfect record of five wins from five matches. They scored 17 goals and conceded just once during the regional competition.