Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, to claim the country’s first-ever title in the competition.
The historic victory, secured on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, also makes Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the tournament was introduced in 2008.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku inspired the Flamingos to a memorable triumph, capping an impressive campaign under head coach Akeem Busari.
Nigeria started the final with confidence, creating promising opportunities against a technically gifted Japanese side. Their persistence paid off in the 39th minute when Bashiru produced a long-range effort that slipped through the hands of Japanese goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki and found the back of the net.
The Flamingos carried their 1-0 advantage into the interval and wasted little time extending their lead after the restart.
Just two minutes into the second half, Oluebube Umejiaku finished calmly to make it 2-0, putting Nigeria firmly in control of the contest and bringing the team closer to an unprecedented world title.
Japan, however, refused to surrender. The Asian side increased the pressure and made three substitutions in the 62nd minute in an attempt to turn the game around.
Their persistence eventually paid off in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito found the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1, setting up a tense final period.
With Japan pushing aggressively for an equaliser, Nigeria’s defence came under considerable pressure. However, goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho and her teammates remained composed, protecting their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for the Flamingos, who began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland before recovering to win six consecutive matches and lift the trophy.
Nigeria’s journey to the final also featured impressive victories over defending champions Korea DPR, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil.
Their 3-1 semi-final triumph over Brazil was particularly memorable, with Queen Joseph opening the scoring before Bashiru netted twice to secure Nigeria’s place in their first-ever final of the competition.
Japan, meanwhile, reached the final after overcoming Korea DPR in a dramatic semi-final encounter. The match ended 1-1 before the Japanese side prevailed 4-1 in the penalty shootout.
Beyond the trophy, Nigeria’s achievement represents a major milestone for African women’s football. The Flamingos have ended the continent’s long wait for a maiden title at the tournament and demonstrated the growing competitiveness of African women’s football on the global stage.
For Nigeria, the triumph is another landmark moment in the country’s rich football history and a testament to the talent, resilience and determination of its next generation of female footballers.