According to a report by ESPN on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Nigeria's Flamingos are preparing for a historic showdown against Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after completing an impressive semi-final victory over Brazil.

The final pairing was confirmed after Japan also secured qualification by overcoming defending champions DPR Korea in a dramatic encounter. Both countries will now compete for the world title on Saturday, November 7, in Rabat, Morocco.

The Mohammed VI Football Complex will host the highly anticipated final, which is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm GMT (7:30 pm Nigerian time). The encounter will determine the new champions of the competition.

Nigeria earned their place in the final with a convincing 3-1 victory over Brazil. After a goalless first half, the Flamingos increased their intensity and eventually broke the deadlock through Queen Joseph in the 56th minute.

The Nigerian side continued to put pressure on their opponents, and their efforts produced two more goals through Awawu Bashiru. The midfielder scored in the 71st minute before completing her brace in the 80th minute, giving Nigeria a commanding three-goal advantage.

Brazil managed to register a consolation goal through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but the South American team could not prevent the Flamingos from celebrating a memorable semi-final success.

Japan's journey to the final was considerably more dramatic. The Asian representatives conceded in the 52nd minute against DPR Korea but remained determined until the closing moments. An own goal in the 90+5th minute restored parity and forced the match into a penalty shootout, where Japan emerged victorious with a 4-1 scoreline.

With the final opponents now confirmed, Nigeria have an opportunity to achieve something the country's U-17 women's team has never accomplished.

The Flamingos finished third during the 2022 edition, but their current campaign has taken them beyond that achievement. A victory over Japan on Saturday would make Nigeria champions of the world for the first time at this level.

The players will therefore be hoping to complete their remarkable journey by delivering another outstanding performance in the final.