Nigeria vs Japan u17 world cup Live update

Nigeria vs Japan u17 world cup live update.

48″ Goal for Flamingos  … Japan 0- 2 Nigeria

Nigeria’s Flamingos led Japan 1-0 at half-time in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final in Rabat, Morocco, after Awawu Bashiru’s long-range strike was spilled by goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

Halftime : nigeria vs japan u17 world cup ( 1:0) 

Bashiru, who scored twice in the semi-final victory over Brazil, found the net late in the first half of a contest in which Nigeria created the better chances. The final kicked off at 7:30 p.m. Nigerian time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3.

Japan, appearing in a fourth final, are chasing the title they won in 2014, while Nigeria are contesting the showpiece for the first time and are seeking a first crown for the country and for Africa.

Team news: Busari keeps semi-final XI as Japan make four changes

Coach Akeem Busari retained the starting line-up that beat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals, a result that guaranteed Nigeria at least a silver medal and surpassed the team’s previous best finish of third place in 2022. Captain Azeezat Oduntan anchors the defence and Jane Ijirigho starts in goal.

Japan made four changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Korea DPR before advancing 4-1 on penalties. Wara Shimizu, Sayana Oshita, Rara Higuchi and Yuka Kishida came into the XI, replacing Anri Ito, Himari Nishi, Keiko Kitajima and Nanami Kurita.

Nigeria’s 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.

Japan’s starting XI: Kou Kadowaki; Wara Shimizu, Honoka Yotsumoto (captain), Sana Morota, Sayana Oshita; Rara Higuchi, Harura Matsushita, Yuka Kishida, Fuki Ito; Mashiro Yamaji, Mei Hanashiro.

Nigeria’s substitutes were Onyinyechi Opara, Mercy Felix, Elizabeth Adesuyi, Pattra Oparanmegwa, Muinat Rotimi, Tosin Rafiu, Precious Oscar, Kaosarat Akanji, Chidera Chidi Harmony and Sakirat Sarafa. Japan listed Mikan Yamanaka, Riruha Wakatsuki, Anri Ito, Himari Nishi, Asuka Tanaka, Keiko Kitajima, Runa Sumiya, Arisu Ota, Kotone Sato and Nanami Kurita among their replacements.

First half: Flamingos press and take a deserved lead

After the national anthems, Japan got the game under way in Rabat. The Flamingos made a bright start, attempting to use the right side of the attack to force an early opening, but neither team carved out a clear chance inside the first five minutes.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi attempted an effort on goal that did not trouble the Japanese defence, and the game remained goalless at the 20-minute mark. Nigeria won their first corner kick in the 29th minute, and Japan dealt with the danger.

Oluebube Umejiaku fluffed a fine opening for the Flamingos before Queen Joseph’s follow-up effort whistled off target. Supporters chanted “inside the net” shortly before a Nigerian attempt rattled the crossbar, and one minute of added time was played before the interval.

Bashiru’s breakthrough, her third goal of the tournament, came when her long-range effort was spilled by the Japanese goalkeeper. The half-time score read Japan 0-1 Nigeria.

Contrasting histories and tournament form

Japan are contesting their fourth FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, having previously reached the showpiece in 2010, 2014 and 2016. They won the title in 2014 and finished as runners-up in 2010 and 2016.

Nigeria had never progressed beyond the semi-finals before 2026, finishing third in 2022. Reaching the final has already secured the country’s best-ever finish at the competition, with a maiden trophy the remaining target.

Going into the final, Japan had scored 14 goals and conceded two, keeping four clean sheets. Nigeria had scored 12, conceded five and kept two clean sheets, and only Korea DPR had registered more attempts on goal at the tournament.

The live coverage noted that former Flamingos such as Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie have gone on to establish themselves in the senior game, and that the present squad contains a similarly deep pool of talent.