PREVIEW : Flamingos face Japan in historic U-17 World Cup final

Nigeria's Flamingos will vie for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026 title against Japan in the final, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco. The match commences at 7:30 pm West Africa Time (WAT). The competition's statistical preview published by FIFA reveals that Nigeria could make history as the first team to lose its opening match at the tournament but still win the championship.

Japan, however, are aiming for their second title after winning it in 2014. Nigeria are the first African nation to reach the final of the competition. Japan have been particularly impressive in front of goal, having scored 150 goals in the history of the competition, making them the first team to achieve this milestone. Nigeria have also shown attacking prowess, recording 113 goal attempts in Morocco, the second-highest tally behind DPR Korea’s 186.

Awawu Bashiru, a Nigerian player, made a significant impact against Brazil despite playing only 73 minutes, netting twice and earning the Player of the Match award. Japan's head coach, Sadayoshi Shirai, will make history by becoming the most-coached person at the tournament with his 16th final appearance. Both finalists have won five consecutive matches, setting a fourth-longest winning streak at the U-17 Women's World Cup.

Japan's defensive record has been impressive, conceding only two goals on their way to the final, while Nigeria has demonstrated attacking strength, recording 113 goal attempts in the tournament.