By Habeeb Ibrahim
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history after defeating Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, becoming the first African country to lift the trophy.
The Flamingos secured the historic victory in Saturday’s final in Rabat, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku handing Nigeria its first title in the competition since its introduction in 2008.
Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute after connecting with a pass from Mary Dunstan, before Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes into the second half, finishing off a move initiated by Esther Stephen.
Japan fought back in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who reduced the deficit and set up a tense closing period. However, Nigeria’s defence held firm against the Japanese pressure to preserve the 2-1 lead and secure the championship.
The victory represents a major milestone for Nigerian football, as the Flamingos have become the first African women’s national team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
It also makes Nigeria the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s FIFA U-17 World Cups, following the Golden Eaglets’ five triumphs in the boys’ competition in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
The achievement is particularly significant considering the team’s difficult start to the tournament. Nigeria lost its opening group-stage match 2-1 to Poland but recovered strongly, winning the six matches that followed to reach the final.
Under head coach Hakeem Busari, the Flamingos defeated defending champions North Korea in the group stage and went on to overcome Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final to secure their first-ever appearance in the tournament’s final.
Nigeria’s previous best performance in the competition was a third-place finish in 2022. The team had never reached the final before this year’s edition.
Umejiaku was also rewarded for her impressive performances throughout the tournament, winning the adidas Golden Ball as the competition’s outstanding player. Her goal against Japan was her fourth of the tournament.
Meanwhile, North Korea defeated Brazil 6-0 to claim the bronze medal, while Japan finished as runners-up.
The triumph marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s football history and gives the country its first FIFA world title in women’s football, while ending Africa’s long wait for a champion in the U-17 women’s competition.
