Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final following an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in their semi-final clash in Morocco.

The Nigerian girls produced a dominant second-half performance, scoring three goals to overcome the South Americans and book a historic place in the final.

After a goalless first half, Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, finishing off an assist from Oluwakemi Adegubyi to give Nigeria the lead.

The Flamingos doubled their advantage in the 71st minute through Awawu Bashiru, who converted a pass from Joseph before completing her brace nine minutes later with a finish from Oluebube Umejiaku’s assist.

Brazil pulled one back in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, following a pass from Yasmin Queiroz, but the late effort was insufficient to prevent Nigeria from securing a memorable victory.

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

Nigeria’s historic qualification represents a remarkable turnaround after beginning the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.

The team responded with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico, with Oluwakemi Adegubyi and Precious Oscar finding the net, before recording an impressive 3-1 win over North Korea to end the Asian side’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition.

Adegubyi, Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Rodiat Yusuf were on target in that encounter.

The Flamingos finished second in Group B with six points from three matches, scoring six goals and conceding four.

They carried their improved form into the knockout stage, defeating Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16 through goals from Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan.

Nigeria subsequently edged Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals, with Azeezat Oduntan converting an 89th-minute penalty to secure their place in the last four.

The achievement surpasses Nigeria’s previous best performance at the tournament, when the Flamingos finished third in 2022 after defeating Germany on penalties to claim the bronze medal.

The team had also demonstrated impressive form before arriving in Morocco, winning all five matches at the WAFU B U-17 Women’s Championship, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.

With Japan standing between them and the title, the Flamingos will now seek to crown their historic campaign with Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.