Nigeria’s Flamingos Set to Face Japan in U-17 World Cup Final in Morocco

Nigeria’s Flamingos will play against Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The match will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, starting at 7:30 pm West Africa Time.

This final is significant as Nigeria could become the first team to lose its opening match in the tournament and still win the championship. The Flamingos started their journey with a 2-1 loss to Poland but bounced back to win five consecutive matches, securing their spot in the final.

This match marks the 10th final in the tournament’s history. Japan is looking for their second title, having won their first in 2014. Nigeria, on the other hand, is the first African team to reach the final of this competition.

Japan has been a strong offensive team, becoming the first to score 150 goals in the tournament’s history. Their recent semi-final match saw them equalize against DPR Korea, bringing their total to 150 goals. Nigeria has also shown attacking prowess, with 113 attempts on goal, the second-highest in the tournament.

Awawu Bashiru has emerged as a key player for Nigeria, scoring twice in the semi-final against Brazil and earning the title of Player of the Match. Japan’s head coach, Sadayoshi Shirai, will set a record for coaching appearances in the tournament with this match, making it his 16th game.

Both teams have won five matches in a row during this tournament, matching the fourth-longest winning streak in its history. Japan has reached the finals four times before, winning their only title in 2014.

This upcoming final promises to be an exciting clash between Japan, a historically dominant team, and Nigeria, who are aiming for a groundbreaking victory for African football.