Nigeria beats Brazil to reach first U-17 World Cup final

Nigeria defeated Brazil 3-1 in the semifinal of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, November 4, earning its first place in the tournament final. The Flamingos scored three times in the second half and will face Japan in the scheduled final on Saturday, November 7, in Rabat, Morocco. The match was goalless at halftime. Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, putting Nigeria ahead. Awawu Bashiru added goals in the 71st and 80th minutes to extend the lead to 3-0. Brazil’s Greise Kelly scored in the 89th minute, but Nigeria held on for the win. The result moves Nigeria beyond its previous best finish at the competition, a third-place result in 2022. Reaching the final guarantees the team at least a silver medal. Nigeria had reached the semifinals in 2022 before winning the bronze-medal match. Japan is Nigeria’s opponent in the final. Japan advanced after a 1-1 draw with North Korea and a penalty shootout victory, according to one match account. The final is scheduled for the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat. Nigeria reached the semifinal with a 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Venezuela, sealed by captain Azeezat Oduntan’s penalty in the 89th minute. The...