Japan head coach Sadayoshi Shirai has admitted that his team faces a difficult challenge against Nigeria’s Flamingos in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Japanese have enjoyed an unbeaten run in the competition in Morocco, conceding only two goals on their way to the final.
However, Shirai’s side had to overcome stern tests from Ghana and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the knockout stages to secure their place in the title decider.
Nigeria have also impressed at the tournament despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening match.
The Flamingos recovered from the setback to win their subsequent five matches and reach the final.
Their impressive run has made them formidable opponents for Japan, with the West Africans expected to provide a stern test for the Asian side.
Shirai acknowledged the quality of African teams, noting that his players had already faced three sides from the continent during the competition.
“Winning the World Cup has been our goal ever since this team came together,” Shirai told FIFA during the pre-match press conference.
“We’ve already faced three African sides that have all been very powerful and determined to score goals.”
