Nigeria head coach Hakeem Busari has explained how tactical discipline, courage and a collective display helped the Flamingos overpower Brazil 3–1 and secure a historic place in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Nigerian youngsters delivered a commanding performance against their South American opponents on Wednesday, producing a remarkable 35 attempts at goal against Brazil’s seven to underline their superiority in the semi-final.

Brazil managed just one attempt on target throughout the contest, with Greise Kelly scoring an 89th-minute consolation after Nigeria had established a three-goal advantage.

The victory for Busari was the product of a deliberate tactical approach designed to disrupt Brazil’s technical quality and prevent the Seleção from building their trademark passing combinations.

The Flamingos coach acknowledged Brazil’s ability on the ball but praised his players for executing their instructions and showing the character required on such a significant occasion.

“It’s an awesome thing, it’s a great achievement,” Busari said after the match. “Reaching the final is a plus for our country, it’s a plus for our football. We are happy, the class are happy.

“It was a key contest and it wasn’t an easy one. Brazil really showed the stuff they have technically, but we tried to really block the view of their passing line, so we had to show character. [We played] really, really bravely.

“We appreciate the class because they are young, we could only encourage them and tell them what they need to do to make the final.”

The tactical plan paid off as Nigeria took control of the contest, with Queen Joseph opening the scoring before Awawu Bashiru took centre stage with two goals to complete a memorable 3–1 victory.

The result also marked a remarkable recovery for Nigeria, who began their campaign with a 2–1 defeat to Poland but responded strongly to reach their first-ever final in the competition.

The Flamingos will now face Japan in Saturday’s final, with Busari already turning his attention to the challenge of overcoming another technically gifted Asian opponent.

Japan secured their place in the decider after defeating defending champions DPR Korea on penalties following a dramatic 1–1 draw. Nigeria had earlier beaten DPR Korea 3–1 in the group stage, giving Busari useful experience of the style of football Japan are expected to bring.

The Nigerian coach believes his side must reproduce the same discipline and character that helped them overcome DPR Korea and Brazil.

“It’s just about showing the same character and playing the same way we played with North Korea, because they play with the same philosophy,” he said.

“They want to build the ball, they look at the high line of passes, they want their full-backs to support, so we really want to look at all that.”

Despite celebrating a historic achievement, Busari insists that reaching the final is not the ultimate destination for his team.

The former Pacesetter Queens coach wants the Flamingos to take the final step and deliver Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.

“I’m excited and I’m happy and the class were happy, but we just really want to pick up the trophy,” he said. “That would be the icing on the cake.”