Nigeria’s Flamingos Record Historic U-17 Women’s World Cup Triumph

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, becoming the first African nation to lift the trophy after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

The Nigerian side secured the historic victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku sealing the country’s maiden title in the competition.

Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute, capitalising on a goalkeeping error by Japan’s Kou Kadowaki, whose attempt to collect a dropping ball allowed it to slip through her gloves and into the net.

The Flamingos doubled their advantage two minutes into the second half when Umejiaku latched on to a long pass from Esther Stephen before controlling the ball and lifting a delicate finish over the advancing Japanese goalkeeper.

Japan, however, refused to surrender and intensified their search for a comeback as the match progressed. Their efforts paid off in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito volleyed home from close range following a corner to reduce the deficit.

Despite the late pressure from the Japanese side, Nigeria held on to their advantage until the final whistle to secure the championship and write a new chapter in African women’s football.

Umejiaku was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance, which included the decisive second goal. She also received the adidas Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player after scoring four goals during the competition.

The victory represents a significant milestone for Nigeria, which has now become the first country from Africa to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the competition began.

Earlier in the day, North Korea defeated Brazil 6-0 in the third-place match.

President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team on the triumph following his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.

He described Nigeria’s maiden triumph as a proud moment for the country and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.

He described the team’s victory as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls, saying it had demonstrated that hard work, opportunity and determination could help them achieve greatness.

“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” he added, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.