Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history, defeating Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday night.
The victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win the prestigious women’s age-grade tournament since its inception.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the historic triumph, capping an outstanding campaign by the determined Nigerian youngsters.
The Flamingos started brightly, dominating possession and creating attacking opportunities against a disciplined Japanese side.
However, Japan’s resilient defence initially frustrated Nigeria, preventing the African champions from finding an early breakthrough.
Nigeria eventually took the lead in the 38th minute through Bashiru, whose powerful effort from outside the penalty area troubled Japan’s goalkeeper.
The Japanese goalkeeper failed to handle the attempt, allowing the ball to find its way into the net.
The goal rewarded Nigeria’s sustained attacking pressure and gave the Flamingos a deserved advantage heading into half-time.
Nigeria resumed the second half with renewed determination, doubling their lead just two minutes after the restart.
Umejiaku produced a moment of brilliance, collecting a through ball before calmly lifting it over the advancing Japanese goalkeeper.
Her composed finish put Nigeria firmly in control, leaving Japan facing an uphill battle to rescue the final.
Japan refused to surrender, reducing the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito’s strike.
The goal raised hopes of a dramatic comeback, but Nigeria remained resolute, defending their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory sparked celebrations among the Nigerian contingent at the Complexe Mohammed VI, where the historic final was decided.
Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the Flamingos for their remarkable performance.
Ikpeme said the players had demonstrated exceptional character, recovering from an opening defeat to win their subsequent six matches.
“This was an awesome performance by the girls all through.
“They lost their first match narrowly to Poland but rose stoutly and with determination from that setback to win the six matches that followed and lift this prestigious trophy.
“They are, indeed, fabulous Flamingos,” Ikpeme said.
Nigeria’s triumph represents a landmark achievement for African women’s football, establishing the Flamingos as the continent’s first champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. (NAN)
