Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by defeating Japan 2-1 to win their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, becoming the first African nation to lift the prestigious trophy.
The Nigerian youngsters delivered a remarkable performance in the final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, to crown an outstanding campaign with a historic triumph.
Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scored the decisive goals as the Flamingos overcame a determined Japanese side to etch their names into football history.
Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute when Bashiru capitalised on an assist from Mary Dunstan. Her effort towards goal proved difficult for Japanese goalkeeper Kadowaki to handle, as the ball slipped through her gloves and into the net.
The Flamingos carried their 1-0 advantage into the half-time break before extending their lead just two minutes after the restart.
In the 47th minute, Umejiaku produced a moment of brilliance, controlling a long pass from Esther Stephen with her left foot before calmly lifting the ball over the advancing Japanese goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Japan, however, refused to surrender. Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute after receiving a pass from Anri Ito, setting up a tense closing period.
With Japan pushing desperately for an equaliser, the Flamingos displayed determination, discipline and defensive resilience to protect their advantage.
Despite late pressure and five minutes of added time, Nigeria held firm to secure a historic 2-1 victory and become world champions.
A REMARKABLE JOURNEY TO THE TOP
The triumph represents an extraordinary turnaround for the Flamingos, who began their campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Poland.
Rather than allowing the setback to derail their ambitions, the Nigerian girls responded with five consecutive victories to reach the summit of the competition.
They defeated Puerto Rico 2-0 before producing one of the tournament’s biggest surprises with a 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea, ending the Asian side’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition.
Nigeria subsequently defeated hosts Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, with Umejiaku and Dunstan getting on the scoresheet.
In the quarter-finals, captain Harmony Chidi converted a dramatic 89th-minute penalty to secure a 1-0 victory over Venezuela and book Nigeria’s place in the last four.
The semi-final produced another outstanding performance as the Flamingos defeated Brazil 3-1.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Bashiru struck twice in the 71st and 80th minutes to seal Nigeria’s first-ever appearance in the final.
The victory over Japan has now completed the remarkable journey.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR AFRICAN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
The championship is a major milestone not just for Nigeria but for African football as a whole.
For the first time, an African country has won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, demonstrating the continent’s growing strength and potential in women’s football.
Head coach Akeem Busari previously highlighted the importance of psychological guidance and renewed confidence in transforming the team’s mentality following their opening defeat.
Captain Harmony Chidi also described the possibility of winning the trophy as a moment that would remain unforgettable.
Before travelling to Morocco, the Flamingos had already demonstrated their quality by winning the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, recording five victories in five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.
Now, they have taken that winning mentality onto the world stage.
From an opening defeat to five consecutive victories, from reaching their first final to becoming the first African world champions, the Flamingos have written a story of courage, resilience and determination.
Nigeria’s Flamingos are WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Congratulations to our golden girls!
