NIGERIA TARGET FIRST U-17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TITLE AGAINST JAPAN

Nigeria’s Flamingos will take on Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Saturday, November 7, as they aim to secure their maiden title and make history.

The decisive encounter, which will be the 52nd and final match of the tournament, is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Nigerian time at Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.

The match will mark the first meeting between Nigeria and Japan at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first time both countries face each other in a global final.

Where to watch Nigeria vs Japan

Football fans can watch the final live and free of charge on FIFA+, with streaming also available through DAZN.

How Nigeria reached the final

The Flamingos endured a difficult start to their campaign in Morocco, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage fixture.

However, they bounced back with a narrow victory over Puerto Rico before recording a remarkable 3-1 win over defending champions DPR Korea in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

The Nigerian side maintained their momentum with further victories over Mexico and Venezuela before defeating Brazil in the semi-finals to book their place in the final for the first time.

Queen Joseph was instrumental in the victory over Brazil, scoring a goal and providing an assist to help Nigeria secure a historic qualification.

With the achievement, Nigeria became the first African nation to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

How Japan reached the final

Japan, on the other hand, have enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning all their group-stage matches without conceding a goal.

Although they initially fell behind against Kenya in the round of 16, Sadayoshi Shirai’s side recovered to claim a 3-1 victory.

They subsequently defeated Ghana to reach the semi-finals, where they faced DPR Korea.

Japan staged a late comeback, benefiting from an own goal before eventually winning through a penalty shootout to secure a place in their fourth U-17 Women’s World Cup final.

Players to watch

Japan’s Mei Hanashiro will be one of the major attacking threats Nigeria must contain. The forward has recorded four goals and one assist in the competition, making her one of Japan’s standout performers.

For Nigeria, attention will be on Queen Joseph, whose pace, creativity and attacking ability have made her one of the tournament’s most impressive players.

Her goal and assist against Brazil further highlighted her importance to the Flamingos’ hopes of lifting the trophy.

What the coaches and captains said

Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai expressed his team’s determination to finish the competition by winning the title.

He said the players were unwilling to stop at the final stage and would give everything to become world champions.

Japan captain Honoka Yotsumoto also expressed confidence, saying the team’s progress had given them the belief needed to overcome their final challenge.

She noted that they had one more match to win and were determined to make history.

Meanwhile, Nigeria coach Akeem Busari said his players would approach the final with the same determination and character they displayed against DPR Korea.

He explained that Japan’s playing style shares similarities with that of DPR Korea, particularly their preference for building attacks from the back, playing forward passes and using their full-backs to support attacking moves.

Busari expressed excitement about reaching the final but stressed that his ultimate ambition was to lead Nigeria to the trophy.

Flamingos forward Queen Joseph described reaching the final as a great privilege, expressing pride in representing Nigeria and the African continent.

She said the team had made history and were determined to make the most of the opportunity.

Key facts ahead of the final

• Japan will be playing their 50th match in the history of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

• Only DPR Korea, who will face Brazil in the third-place match, have played more matches in the competition.

• Nigeria are the first African country to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

• Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai will become the competition’s record appearance-maker among coaches, with Saturday’s final marking his 16th match.

• A victory for Nigeria would make the Flamingos the first team to lose their opening match and subsequently win the tournament.