U17 Women's World Cup: Japan expects tough fight against Flamingos
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Post
Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai expects a difficult match against Nigeria's Flamingos in the final of the U17 Women's World Cup, where his players remain unbeaten with two goals conceded. The Nigerians, beaten 2-1 by Poland in their first match, then won five in a row, according to the Nigerian press.
Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai expects a difficult final against Nigeria at the 2026 U17 Women's World Cup, held in Morocco. The Japanese go into the match without having lost a game in the competition and with only two goals conceded, according to the Nigerian outlet Daily Post.
Japan notably had to overcome difficult encounters against Ghana and North Korea during the knockout stages. Nigeria, nicknamed the Flamingos, have also won their last five matches after starting the tournament with a 2-1 defeat against Poland. The Nigerians thus reached the final despite that initial setback.
Sadayoshi Shirai told FIFA that winning the World Cup had been his team's goal since it came together. The Japanese coach also recalled that his players had already faced three African sides, which he considers particularly powerful and determined to score.
This final follows Nigeria's progress through the competition, after its qualification for the semi-finals, announced on 3 November, then its qualification for the world final, on 4 November 2026.
