REVEALED: Helena, Kelly To Lead Brazil’s Attack Against Nigeria

From Harry Awurumibe, Live in Morocco

Two of Brazil’s lethal strikers Helena and Greise Kelly will lead the Samba Girls’ attacking against Nigeria when both countries clash this today in the semi-finals match of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at Pitch 3 of Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salè, Rabat by 6 pm Morocco time (7 pm Nigeria time), Prompt News reports.

This much was disclosed by Brazil’s U-17 women’s national team head coach Rilany Silva who described Nigeria’s Flamingos as a highly physical, resilient, and formidable opponent ahead of their semi-final epic encounter.

According to the gaffer, she is anticipating an “extremely difficult match” against Nigeria as the West Africans are noted for their physicality and stamina. She highlighted Nigeria’s relentless energy, noting that “by the 90th minute, they’ll probably still be running as if it were the fifth”.

For thus reason, Rilany said that her tactical approach to the game is that of cautious optimism, pointing out that her team would need to be “very strategic with game plan to find ways to hurt Nigeria”.

After playing in an enthralling 3-3 draw with Ghana earlier in the competition, Rilany and her girls know all about the threat an African nation can pose but she revealed that the quality of players available in her squad like Helena and Greise Kelly and the team’s fighting spirit will be enough to pip Nigeria to the final spot.

“They are showing a level of maturity and mental strength well beyond their years. That’s been our story throughout this tournament. In a competition a World Cup, being a team with great tactical and technical quality isn’t enough”, Rilany stated.

However, she insisted that the incredible work rate of Brazil’s No.10 (Helena) and Greise Kelly who has won two Player of the Match Awards in the competition will be vital today.

Rilany disclosed that the combination of Helena who scored a brace in the quarter-finals match to seal a semi-final spot to meet Nigeria and flying winger Greise Kelly (No.13) who assisted Helena’s leveller, and sent the cross in which eventually led to her side’s dramatic late winner will lead Brazil’s attack.

Meanwhile, only three Brazil players Helena, Greise Kelly and Melo
have won Player of the Match Award in five matches in the ongoing tournament while four Nigerians Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku, Kanyinsola Yusuf and Favour Nkwocha have won the prestigious award in four games.

*Brazil-Nigeria Player of the Match Winners At Morocco 2026:*
Group stage:
Sunday 18 October
Group C: Canada 2-6 Brazil | *Greise Kelly (BRA)*

Tuesday 20 October
Group B: Nigeria 2-0 Puerto Rico | *Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (NGA)*

Saturday 24 October
Group C: Brazil 3-0 Norway | Carol Melo (BRA)

Friday 23 October
Group B: Nigeria 3-1 DPR Korea |*Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf (NGA)*

*Round of 16*
Wednesday 28 October

Match 42: Brazil 3-3 Poland (8-7 PSO) | *Greise Kelly (BRA)*

Thursday 29 October

Match 43: Nigeria 2-1 Mexico | *Oluebube Umejiaku (NGA)*

*Quarter-finals*
Sunday 1 November

Match 47: China PR 1-2 Brazil | Helena (BRA)
2 goals

Match 48: Nigeria 1-0 Venezuela | *Favour Nkwocha (NGA)*