Flamingos Make History, Beat Japan 2-1 to Win Nigeria's First FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Title

Nigeria's Flamingos have won their first FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup title after beating Japan 2-1 in Saturday's final. They became the first African team to win the competition, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku sealing the historic victory.

Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute, finishing off an assist from Mary Dunstan. The Flamingos midfielder sent a dropping ball towards goal, and Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki failed to hold it as it slipped through her gloves and into the net. Nigeria led 1-0 at half-time.

Umejiaku doubled the advantage in the 47th minute, two minutes into the second half. Esther Stephen sent a long, raking pass upfield, which Umejiaku chased down, controlled with her left foot and delicately lifted over Kadowaki.

Japan fought back and reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who converted a pass from Anri Ito. That set up a tense final 15 minutes, with Japan pushing for an equaliser while Nigeria sought to protect their lead. Kanyinsola Yusuf was booked in the 83rd minute, and the Flamingos continued to threaten through attempts from Umejiaku and Yusuf. Japan also had a late effort through Mashiro Yamaji, but Nigeria held firm. Umejiaku was flagged offside in the 94th minute before the referee ended the match after five minutes of added time.

The win capped a remarkable campaign. The Flamingos recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to win five consecutive matches on their way to the final:

• Group stage: A 2-0 win over Puerto Rico, followed by one of the tournament's biggest surprises, a 3-1 defeat of defending champions North Korea, which ended North Korea's 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition.
• Round of 16: A 2-1 win over Mexico, with Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan scoring.
• Quarter-final: A 1-0 win over Venezuela, with Azeezat Oduntan converting a late penalty in the 89th minute.
• Semi-final: A 3-1 win over Brazil, with Queen Joseph scoring in the 56th minute and Bashiru adding two, in the 71st and 80th minutes. Brazil scored a late consolation.

Head coach Akeem Busari said psychological guidance and renewed confidence helped change the players' attitude and approach after the opening defeat. Captain Harmony Chidi described the prospect of winning the trophy as a moment that would never be forgotten.

The triumph is another landmark for a team already regarded as one of Africa's leading sides at age-grade level. Before travelling to Morocco, the Flamingos won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d'Ivoire, winning all five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.