Tonight in Rabat, Nigeria’s Flamingos stand one win away from a place in African football history. The Flamingos vs Japan final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup kicks off at 7:30pm Nigerian time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, and victory would make the Nigerian girls the first African team ever to lift the trophy. No African side has ever reached the final of this tournament before — which is exactly why tonight matters far beyond the 90 minutes.
Japan, the 2014 champions, stand between Nigeria and the trophy. The Little Nadeshiko are unbeaten in their last five matches in Morocco and edged defending champions DPR Korea on penalties in their semi-final. A Japanese win would make them the third successive Asian team to lift the trophy, according to DAZN. But the Flamingos have spent this tournament tearing up expectations, and they will believe this is their moment.
Flamingos’ road to the final
Nigeria’s campaign did not start like a title charge. They lost their opening group game 2-1 to Poland, a result that left their hopes hanging by a thread. The response has been perfect: five straight wins. They beat Puerto Rico and defending champions DPR Korea to escape the group, then knocked out Mexico and Venezuela — captain Oduntan scoring a late penalty in the quarter-final — to reach the last four.
The semi-final against Brazil was their finest night yet. Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, finishing off Oluwakemi Adegbuyi’s assist, and Awawu Bashiru struck twice, in the 71st and 80th minutes, to put Nigeria 3-0 up. Brazil, who had scored 17 goals in their previous five matches, managed only a late consolation through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute. Nigeria had conceded just four goals in five games before the semi-final, and that defensive discipline has been the backbone of their run.
Japan stand in the way
Japan’s route has been just as impressive. They dismissed the holders DPR Korea in the semi-finals, drawing 1-1 before winning the shootout 4-1, and they have not lost in Morocco. The Little Nadeshiko won this competition in 2014, beating Spain 2-0 in the final, and they carry one of the tournament’s most organised defences into tonight’s game. Even DAZN’s final preview leans their way, tipping a 2-1 Japanese win — a prediction the Flamingos will be desperate to tear up.
What is at stake in Rabat tonight
The occasion has already drawn the biggest names in African football. CAF president Patrice Motsepe congratulated the Flamingos on reaching the final and will be in Rabat to watch them tonight, while National Sports Commission director-general Bukola Olopade has charged the team to seize the moment and become Africa’s first champions at this level. Head coach Busari has kept the message simple: “Let’s finish the job.”
Nigeria’s previous best finish at this tournament was the bronze medal won at India 2022, when they lost their semi-final to Colombia before beating Germany in the third-place match. Tonight they go further than any African team before them — and one win would put them on top of the world. The final is free to watch live on DAZN via FIFA+, with kick-off at 7:30pm WAT.
It has already been a huge week for Nigerian football, with the Super Eagles counting down to their AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania — a double-header they will face without injured star Victor Osimhen. For today’s other matches, check our today’s predictions.
Featured image: SportsBuddy design.
