Brazil face Nigeria for a place in the Women’s U17 World Cup final

Brazil’s U-17 women’s national team is one step away from making history again at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. This Wednesday (4), at 3 p.m. (Brasília time), Brazil faces Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco, in the tournament’s semifinal. At stake is a place in the final, scheduled for November 7, and the chance to win a first-ever title for Brazilian football.

Led by head coach Rilany Silva, the team heads into the match unbeaten and buoyed by a thrilling victory over China. In the quarterfinals, Brazil came from behind to win 2–1, with Helena scoring both goals. The forward played a decisive role in keeping Brazil’s dream of a world title alive.

Helena scores both goals in Brazil’s quarterfinal victory at the U-17 World CupCredits: Fabio Souza / CBF

Brazil’s campaign has been marked by confidence and resilience. In the group stage, Brazil beat Canada 6–2, drew 3–3 with Ghana and defeated Norway 3–0 to finish top of Group C.

In the round of 16, Brazil delivered another thrilling contest. After a 3–3 draw with Poland in regulation time, the team won the penalty shootout 8–7. Goalkeeper Nathy was one of the standout performers, making crucial saves in the shootout.

Goalkeeper Nathy was a standout against Poland, saving two penalties in the round-of-16 shootout at the U-17 World Cup in MoroccoCredits: Joern Pollex / FIFA

Nigeria arrives with momentum

Brazil’s opponents have also shown resilience throughout their campaign. After opening with a 2–1 defeat to Poland, Nigeria bounced back to beat Puerto Rico 2–0. They then pulled off a surprise 3–1 victory over North Korea, the reigning back-to-back world champions.

In the knockout stages, the African side eliminated Mexico 2–1 in the round of 16 and overcame Venezuela 1–0 in the quarterfinals. The winning goal came in the closing minutes, with Azeezat Oduntan converting a penalty.

Nigeria celebrates reaching the semifinals of the U-17 Women’s World Cup in MoroccoCredits: Joern Pollex / FIFA

The teams’ World Cup history

Brazil and Nigeria enter the semifinals with nine appearances each in the U-17 Women’s World Cup. Both teams have also finished among the tournament’s top four in one previous edition.

Brazil’s best finish came in 2025, also in Morocco, when the team reached the semifinals for the first time and finished fourth. On that occasion, Brazil lost 2–0 to North Korea before falling to Mexico on penalties in the third-place match after a 1–1 draw.

Brazil’s U-17 national team celebrates reaching the U-17 World Cup quarterfinalsCredits: Fabio Souza / CBF

Nigeria’s best result, meanwhile, was third place in India in 2022. The African side beat Germany 3–2 in the bronze-medal match after being eliminated by Colombia in the semifinals.

Now, both teams have the opportunity to reach a World Cup final. For Brazil, it would be their first-ever final at this level. For Nigeria, reaching the final would also be a first.

Head-to-head record

Brazil and Nigeria have met twice at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. Brazil holds the advantage, with one win and one draw. Their first meeting took place in 2008 and ended in a 2–2 draw. In 2016, Brazil came out on top with a 1–0 victory in the group stage.

In the other semifinal, Japan and North Korea will compete for the second place in the final. The final is scheduled for November 7.

U-17 World Cup | Semifinal

Brazil vs. Nigeria

Date: Wednesday (November 4)

Time: 3 p.m. (Brasília time) – 6 p.m. (Morocco time)

Venue: Mohammed VI Women’s Football Complex, Rabat, Morocco

Where to watch: SporTV, CazéTV and FIFA+

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.