Nigeria’s Flamingos Reach First U-17 World Cup Final

Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, beating Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal to become the first African team to reach the tournament’s championship match. President Bola Tinubu congratulated the players and urged them to pursue the title. The Flamingos will face Japan on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time. A Nigerian victory would make the team the first African champion in the competition. Tinubu’s message, issued Thursday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, praised the players, coaching staff and support staff. He encouraged the team to approach the final with confidence and said he believed it could make history by winning the title. He also called on Nigerians to support the players and said the government stood behind the team. Nigeria’s semifinal win came after a goalless first half. Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, and Awawu Bashiru added goals in the 71st and 80th minutes. Greise Kelly scored for Brazil in the 89th minute, but Nigeria held on to secure its place in the final....