Japan chase a second U-17 World Cup title as Nigeria eye Africa's first

Two teams, one first-ever meeting and a lot of history on the line. On Saturday, Japan and Nigeria play the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

Kick-off is at 9:30 pm local time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat. It is the first match between the two sides in the tournament's history, and the first time the countries have met in a final at any world tournament.

What's at stake?

Japan are in their third final. Their only title so far came in 2014, when they beat Spain 2-0 in Costa Rica. A win would make it two.

Nigeria are the first African team ever to reach this final. If they win, they would also become the first team to lose their opening match at the tournament and still lift the trophy.

How did they get here?

Japan were the only team to win all their group games without conceding a goal. In the round of 16 they fell behind against Kenya, then won 3-1. They edged past Ghana in the quarter-finals.

The semi-final against North Korea was a roller coaster. Japan trailed for long stretches, an own goal in the final minutes levelled the score, and Japan won on penalties. Striker Mei Hanashiro has four goals and one assist so far.

Nigeria started with a 2-1 loss to Poland, then beat Puerto Rico. Their big moment came with a 3-1 win over North Korea, who had won the previous two editions. After that they got past Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil. Against Brazil, Queen Joseph scored once and set up another goal.

What's next?

Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai says his side does not want to stop at the final. "We will keep moving forward and prepare as well as we can. We will give everything to become world champions," he said. Captain Honoka Yotsumoto added: "We are determined to make history."

Nigeria coach Akeem Busari wants a repeat of the North Korea performance. "We just want to win the cup," he said. Joseph put it simply: "We don't represent only Nigeria, but all of Africa."