Live coverage of Japan vs Nigeria — 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Final clash between the Little Nadeshiko (Pink Carnation Flower) of Japan and the Flamingos of Nigeria at the Mohammed VI Football Complex – Pitch 3, Rabat, Morocco.
LIVE SCORE: Japan 1-2 Nigeria – 81′
*Venue:* Mohammed VI Football Complex – Pitch 3, Rabat, Morocco
*Kick-off:* 7:30pm WAT / 6:30pm GMT, Saturday, November 7, 2026
*Competition:* FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Final
WHAT’S AT STAKE:
Japan are playing in their 4th final, chasing a second title after winning in 2014. Nigeria are in their first-ever final and are seeking a first crown for the country and for Africa. If Nigeria win, they will become the first African country to win the FIFA World Cup in both the men’s and women’s U-17 categories.
HOW THEY GOT HERE:
Nigeria beat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final, with Awawu Bashiru scoring twice. Japan drew 1-1 with defending champions DPR Korea before winning 4-1 on penalties.
MATCH SUMMARY:
First Half – Flamingos take deserved lead
Nigeria created the better chances and were twice denied by the frame of the post. The breakthrough came late in the half.
39′ GOAL – Nigeria! Awawu Bashiru
Bashiru’s long-range strike was spilled by Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki into the net. Her third goal of the tournament. *Japan 0-1 Nigeria
Half-Time: Japan 0-1 Nigeria
Second Half – Nigeria double lead, Japan pull one back
47′ GOAL – Nigeria! Bubbu
Just two minutes after the restart, Nigeria doubled their advantage. *Japan 0-2 Nigeria
Japan have since pushed back and pulled one goal back to make it a tense finish.
81′ – Japan 1-2 Nigeria
Nigeria are now holding on for history with less than 10 minutes to play.
Nigeria Starting XI:
Jane Ijirigho; Azeezat Oduntan (captain), Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen, Kanyinsola Yusuf; Mary Dunstan, Favour Nkwocha, Awawu Bashiru; Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku.
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