Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has sent a motivational message to Nigeria’s Flamingos ahead of their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final against Japan, urging the team to bring the trophy home.
In a funny but inspiring two-minute speech posted on her official Instagram page, Nnadozie encouraged the players to approach the final with a resilient mentality, stressing that the opportunity was one they had to seize.
“I’m wishing you guys all the best. My prayers are with you. Wishing you an injury-free final. Go there, go smash it, go do it, bring the trophy back home,” the 25-year-old said.
In a lighter moment, the Brighton goalkeeper promised to reward the team with foodstuffs for every goal they score in the final. She also challenged the Flamingos to deliver a victory that would give her bragging rights over three of her Japanese teammates at Brighton.
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The Flamingos are preparing for a historic encounter after becoming the first African team to reach the final of the U-17 Women’s World Cup. They secured that feat with an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semifinal clash.
The Nigerian youngsters will now be aiming to make history once again by winning the competition for the first time. However, standing in their way is a Japanese side that have won all their matches at this year’s tournament.
Japan began their campaign with a convincing 5-0 victory over Zambia before recording consecutive 2-0 wins against France and Venezuela to finish top of their group with a perfect record.
They conceded their first goal of the tournament in the round of 16 against Kenya but came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory. Japan subsequently defeated Ghana 1-0 in the quarterfinals to set up a semifinal encounter against defending champions North Korea.
In a thrilling all-Asian contest, Japan appeared to be heading out after North Korea took the lead in the 52nd minute and held on until the closing stages. However, a 94th-minute own goal by Won Sol-Gyong restored parity for Japan, who eventually won 4-1 on penalties to book their place in the final.
Nigeria’s journey to the final has been equally impressive. After opening their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland, the Flamingos bounced back with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea, winning 2-0 and 3-1 respectively to progress to the knockout stages.
They continued their impressive run with a 2-1 victory over Mexico in the round of 16 before edging Venezuela 1-0 in the quarterfinals, courtesy of a late penalty from Azeezat Oduntan.
Their semifinal performance against Brazil was arguably their most impressive outing of the competition. Following a goalless first half, Nigeria scored three goals within 24 minutes of the second half to establish a commanding lead before Brazil grabbed a late consolation goal.
The victory secured Nigeria’s place in the final, where they will face Japan at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 pm Nigerian time.
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