Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have made history by defeating Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The victory on Saturday earned Nigeria its first-ever global title in the age category and made the country the first African nation to win the competition.
The Flamingos produced a determined performance against their Japanese counterparts, scoring twice before holding off a late fightback to secure the historic triumph.
Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute when Awawu Bashiru converted a pass from Mary Dunstan to put the African champions ahead.
The Nigerian side doubled their advantage shortly after the restart, with Oluebube Umejiaku finding the net in the 47th minute following an attacking move initiated by Esther Stephen.
Japan, however, refused to surrender and intensified their efforts to get back into the contest.
Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito reduced the deficit to 2-1 after receiving a pass from Anri Ito.
The goal set up a tense closing period as Japan pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
However, Nigeria’s defence remained resolute, keeping the Japanese attackers at bay through five minutes of additional time to preserve their lead until the final whistle.
The triumph represents a landmark achievement for Nigerian football and the African continent, which had never previously won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s journey to the final included a remarkable 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea, ending their 18-match unbeaten run, before overcoming Brazil by the same scoreline in the semi-finals.
The victory over Japan crowns an impressive campaign for the Flamingos and establishes Nigeria as the first African country to lift the trophy in the history of the competition.
