Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have emerged champions of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.
The historic encounter, held at the Stade de Marrakech, saw the Nigerian side secure their maiden title in the competition, making them the first African nation to lift the trophy since the tournament began in 2008.
The Flamingos secured their place in the final after an impressive campaign, which included a crucial victory over Brazil in the semi-finals. They carried that momentum into the showdown against Japan, delivering a determined performance to claim the historic victory.
Both sides approached the final with attacking intent, but Nigeria took the lead shortly before the break. Forward Awawu Bashiru found the back of the net in the 39th minute, finishing off a well-worked attacking move to give the Flamingos a 1-0 advantage.
Nigeria wasted little time extending their lead after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Oluebube Umejaiku scored in the 47th minute to make it 2-0 and put the West African side in a commanding position.
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Japan fought back and reduced the deficit through a 79th-minute goal, setting up a tense closing period.
However, the Nigerian girls remained resolute at the back, preventing their opponents from finding an equaliser and holding on to their lead until the referee’s final whistle.
The victory marks a major milestone for Nigerian football and women’s football across Africa, with the Flamingos becoming the first team from the continent to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.