Nigeria’s Flamingos are determined to become the first African champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup when they face Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat.
Nigeria’s Flamingos have vowed to make history by defeating Japan in Saturday’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final in Rabat, Morocco, and become the first African nation to win the women’s competition.
Victory over the Little Nadeshiko at the Mohammed VI Football Complex would also make Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories, following the Golden Eaglets’ triumphs in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
The Nigerian girls are approaching the final with renewed confidence after a remarkable transformation in the tournament, having recovered from an opening defeat to Poland to eliminate some of the competition’s strongest contenders.
The Flamingos started their campaign with a 1-2 loss to Poland before recovering to defeat Puerto Rico and beat defending champions Korea DPR 3-1 in their final group match to advance as runners-up.
They subsequently overcame Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16 before edging past Venezuela in the quarter-finals.
However, their most impressive performance came in the semi-finals, where they produced a commanding display to defeat Brazil 3-1 and book their place in the final.
Nigeria dominated the encounter, recording 30 attempts on goal and creating numerous opportunities before Brazil managed a consolation goal in the closing stages.
The victory underlined the Flamingos’ attacking strength and determination, with the team now looking to complete their impressive campaign by claiming Nigeria’s first title in the competition.
Nigeria have scored 12 goals in the tournament, with eight different players getting on the scoresheet, highlighting the depth of attacking options available to coach Hakeem Busari.
Oluebube Umejiaku leads the scoring chart with three goals, while Awawu Bashiru and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi have scored twice each.
Kanyinsola Yusuf, Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan, Precious Oscar and Azeezat Oduntan have also contributed goals.
Oduntan, who has taken over the captaincy, has provided leadership on and off the pitch, including converting a crucial penalty in the closing stages of the difficult quarter-final encounter against Venezuela.
Busari and his technical crew have also earned praise for their tactical flexibility and effective use of squad depth.
Midfielder Bashiru provided a striking example of that approach when she scored twice against Brazil, despite having accumulated only 73 minutes of action as a substitute before the semi-final.
Handed a starting opportunity ahead of playmaker Tosin Rafiu, Bashiru delivered a match-winning performance against the South Americans.
Japan pose formidable final hurdle
Standing between Nigeria and history are a Japanese side with considerable experience at this level.
Japan reached their fourth final after eliminating defending champions Korea DPR in a dramatic semi-final.
The Asian side were on the verge of defeat before a late own goal by Korean defender Won Sol-gyong forced a 1-1 draw, with Japan subsequently prevailing in the penalty shoot-out.
Japan won the competition in 2014, defeating Spain 2-0 in the final, but finished runners-up in 2010 and 2016.
They are also among the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, having scored 150 goals since the competition began in 2008.
Saturday’s encounter will therefore present a significant test for Nigeria, who must overcome an experienced opponent to secure their maiden title.
The Flamingos, however, have demonstrated their ability to compete against the best, having already eliminated two-time champions Korea DPR and Brazil in successive knockout rounds.
NFF expresses confidence
Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has expressed confidence that the Flamingos can overcome Japan and deliver a historic triumph for the country.
Ikpeme, who is expected to attend Saturday’s final, said the federation believes the players have what it takes to complete their impressive campaign.
“The NFF has confidence in the ability of the Flamingos to make Nigerians beam with smiles of joy on Saturday. If Brazil could not stop them, I don’t see Japan doing so.
“This is surely the year of the Flamingos, and the year Nigeria will again celebrate a global title,” he said.
A high-powered Federal Government delegation led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, is also expected in Rabat for the final.
The delegation will include NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade and Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe are also expected to attend the encounter.
For the Flamingos, however, the focus will be firmly on the pitch, where 90 minutes stand between them and a place in Nigerian and African football history.
After overcoming an uncertain start and eliminating some of the tournament’s biggest contenders, Busari’s girls have one final hurdle to clear.
Japan stand between Nigeria and history.