Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by reaching their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, following a commanding 3-1 win over Brazil in their semi-final in Morocco.

After a goalless first half, the Nigerians stepped up after the break, scoring three times to put the contest beyond Brazil before conceding a late consolation goal.

Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, turning home Oluwakemi Adegubyi’s assist to put the Flamingos ahead.

Nigeria doubled their lead in the 71st minute through Awawu Bashiru, who finished off a pass from Joseph, before completing her brace nine minutes later. This time, Bashiru converted Oluebube Umejiaku’s delivery to give the Flamingos a commanding 3-0 advantage.

Brazil managed to reduce the deficit in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, who was set up by Yasmin Queiroz, but the late strike did little to change the outcome as Nigeria held on for a memorable victory.

The result takes the Flamingos into their maiden final at the tournament, where they will face Japan, who defeated defending champions North Korea in the other semi-final.

Nigeria’s qualification for the final represents a remarkable recovery after their campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland. They bounced back with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico, courtesy of goals from Oluwakemi Adegubyi and Precious Oscar, before producing one of their most impressive performances to defeat North Korea 3-1.

That victory was particularly significant, as it ended North Korea’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition. Adegubyi, Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Rodiat Yusuf were on target for Nigeria.

The Flamingos finished second in Group B with six points, having scored six goals and conceded four in three matches, before stepping up their campaign in the knockout rounds.

They began their journey through the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Mexico. Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan scored in either half, while Emily Delgado’s late effort proved insufficient to prevent the Mexicans from exiting the competition.

Nigeria then secured a place in the semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Venezuela. Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th-minute penalty to settle the quarter-final and set up the last-four meeting with Brazil.

The achievement takes the team beyond their previous best finish at the tournament — third place in 2022 — when they defeated Germany on penalties to claim the bronze medal.

The Flamingos had also arrived in Morocco in impressive form, having swept to the WAFU B U-17 title with a perfect record of five wins from five matches. They scored 17 goals and conceded just once during the regional competition.

Now, with Brazil behind them and Japan standing between them and the title, the Flamingos have an opportunity to crown their historic campaign with Nigeria’s first U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

Source: punchng.com

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Jodie Burrage was subjected to death threats and online abuse after losing her first WTA Tour singles match in 16 months.

The 27-year-old Briton, ranked 474th in the world, exited in the first round of the Chennai Open when India’s Vaishnavi Adkar recovered from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

As reported by BBC Sport on Tuesday, Burrage later posted an Instagram story showing a stream of direct messages that included abuse and death threats.

She added the comment: “Nice welcome back to tour. I remember why I left.”

German player Eva Lys publicly supported her, tagging the WTA and asking: “When will something be done?”

Burrage’s previous WTA main-draw singles appearance, outside of qualifying, was a first-round defeat at Wimbledon in July 2025.

The incident forms part of a larger problem. Female tennis players received more than 12,000 abusive social-media posts and messages last year, according to Signify Group data, with similar numbers recorded in 2025.

Angry gamblers were behind 42% of verified abuse and 59% of serious abuse cases that year.

Britain’s Katie Boulter has previously spoken about receiving death threats.

Players have called for identity verification on social-media platforms, while the WTA player board has described the abuse as unacceptable and potentially significant in its impact.

Source: punchng.com

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Man United coach, Michael Carrick, has insisted he felt no personal relief after Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma, saying his only emotion was pride in a group of players who care deeply.

United fought back from behind at Old Trafford to end a long winless run, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice in a frantic late spell before being sent off, and academy product Shea Lacey providing the decisive assists after coming off the bench.

As reported by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X on Wednesday, asked whether the result brought a sense of relief, Carrick was clear. “Genuinely no. I didn’t feel relief. It was more, I was genuinely pleased for the players. I know how much they care. I know what they give. It was just more seeing everybody and the feeling that we can generate when we do things right!”

The manager reserved special praise for Lacey, who entered the game with United trailing and immediately lifted the side.

“He’s got great ability. That glint in his eyes and he plays with a bit of mischief. He was desperate to do well. I was just as happy seeing him defend as a right back! He gave everyone a lift coming on the pitch. I am so happy.”

On Cunha’s all-action display, which ended in a red card, Carrick added: “I was a bit disappointed with how it finished but it just shows how much he cares and he’s willing to do when he’s in that frame of mind. When he’s in that mood, and he plays like that… that’s what we want him here.”

Cunha himself highlighted Lacey’s contribution:

“What an unbelievable pass from Shea! It’s beautiful when you have an academy player that comes and has a great impact in the game. When I saw the ball going, to be honest, I didn’t believe it, the comeback!”

The result leaves United with a much-needed boost in the Champions League.

Source: punchng.com

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