The Nigerian Flamingos are set to face Japan in the championship match of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup held in Morocco on Saturday, November 7, as they pursue their inaugural tournament trophy.
The final, which will be the 52nd and last 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 encounter will mark the first meeting between Nigeria and Japan at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first time the two countries face each other in a global final.
Fans can watch the match live and for free on FIFA+, with streaming also available through DAZN.
Nigeria’s journey to the final has been marked by a remarkable recovery after a difficult start to the tournament. The Flamingos opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland before securing a narrow victory over Puerto Rico.
They followed that result with one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, defeating defending champions DPR Korea 3-1.
The Nigerian team maintained their momentum with victories over Mexico and Venezuela before overcoming Brazil in the semi-finals to secure a historic place in the final.
Queen Joseph was instrumental in the victory over Brazil, scoring a goal and providing an assist to help Nigeria reach their first-ever U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
The Flamingos have also made history as the first African nation to reach the final of the competition.
Japan, meanwhile, have enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning all their group-stage matches without conceding a goal.
They were tested in the round of 16 after falling behind against Kenya but recovered to claim a 3-1 victory.
The Japanese side subsequently edged Ghana to reach the semi-finals, where they faced DPR Korea. Japan came from behind in the closing stages, benefiting from a late own goal before securing victory in a penalty shootout to book their place in a fourth U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
Mei Hanashiro will be one of Japan’s key players to watch, having scored four goals and provided one assist at the tournament.
Nigeria will rely on Queen Joseph, whose pace and attacking quality have made her one of the standout performers of the competition. Her contribution against Brazil further underlined her importance to the Flamingos’ title hopes.
Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai said his team were determined to complete their campaign by lifting the trophy.
“We don’t want to stop here. We’ll continue moving forward, prepare as well as we can for the final, and give everything we have to become world champions.”
Japan captain Honoka Yotsumoto also expressed confidence ahead of the encounter.
“We’ve managed to overcome barriers that had held us back for so long, one step at a time – that has given us a lot of confidence. Now we have just one more match to win, and we’re determined to make history.”
Nigeria coach Akeem Busari said his players would approach the final with the same mentality they displayed against DPR Korea.
“It’s just about showing the same character and playing the same way we played with North Korea, because they play with the same philosophy. They want to build the ball, they look at the high line of passes, they want their full-backs to support, so we really want to look at all that. I’m excited and I’m happy, but we just really want to pick up the trophy. That would be the icing on the cake.”
Queen Joseph described reaching the final as a privilege, adding that the team were representing the entire continent.
“I feel very happy. Playing in the final is a big privilege, representing my country in the final is a big privilege for me. I’m super proud of myself and my team because we made history. We are not here just representing Nigeria; we are here representing Africa as a whole.”
Saturday’s final will also mark Japan’s 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 games in the competition.
The match will be the 16th at the tournament for Japan coach Shirai, making him the competition’s record appearance-maker among coaches.
A victory would make Nigeria the first team to lose their opening match of the tournament and go on to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Key facts ahead of the final
Japan will play their 50th match in the history of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
2. Only DPR Korea, who will face Brazil in the third-place match, have played more matches in the competition.
3. Nigeria are the first African nation to reach the U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
4. Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai will become the competition’s record appearance-maker among coaches, with Saturday’s final marking his 16th match.
5. A victory for Nigeria would make the Flamingos the first team to lose their opening match and subsequently go on to win the tournament.
What You Should Know
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team has achieved a monumental milestone by reaching the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, becoming the first African nation ever to do so. They are set to face a formidable Japanese side in the ultimate match of the tournament.
- Positive Impact: This historic feat brings immense pride to the nation, boosts the global profile of Nigerian youth sports, and inspires millions of young girls across Africa to pursue excellence in athletics.
- Potential Concerns: Facing a technically disciplined Japanese team that has performed strongly throughout the tournament poses a major competitive challenge for the Flamingos.
