Nigeria’s Flamingos have advanced to the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time after defeating Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Morocco.

The victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat makes Nigeria the first African nation to reach the final of the competition since it began in 2008.

The Flamingos will now face Japan on Saturday, with an opportunity to claim their first title in the tournament.

Both teams approached the opening stages with obvious attacking intent, creating opportunities at either end. However, neither side could convert their early opportunities, including clear one-on-one chances, as the half ended goalless. 

Nigeria returned from the break with greater purpose and found the breakthrough in the 56th minute after Queen Joseph capitalised on a loose ball inside Brazil’s penalty area to put the Flamingos ahead.

The goal gave Nigeria the advantage they needed to take greater control of the contest, and they doubled their lead in the 71st minute through Awawu Bashiru. The forward completed her brace in the 80th minute to put the result beyond Brazil.

Brazil, who had reached the semi-final without losing a match in the tournament, managed to find a late response through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute. However, the goal came too late to alter the outcome as Nigeria saw out the remaining minutes to secure their place in the final.

The result ends Brazil’s unbeaten campaign and extends Nigeria’s impressive run through the knockout stages.

Standing between them and the title are Japan, who secured their final place earlier on Wednesday after defeating defending champions DPR Korea in a penalty shootout. The contest had ended 1-1 after Japan scored a late equaliser in regulation time. Japan’s victory also ended DPR Korea’s pursuit of a third consecutive title.

The final on Saturday will therefore present the Flamingos with an opportunity to turn a historic first appearance into Nigeria’s maiden championship in the competition.