Nigeria U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have defeated Japan 2-1 in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to claim a historic first title on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Flamingos scored once in each half, while Japan grabbed a late consolation at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, as Nigeria became the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Head coach Akeem Busari maintained the same starting XI that defeated Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals, with Awawu Bashiru keeping her place.
Both sides created early opportunities, with Japan threatening the Nigerian defence before the Flamingos began to find their rhythm and create chances of their own. Oluebube Umejiaku had a clear opportunity to put Nigeria ahead but was unable to find the finish.
The Flamingos broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Bashiru unleashed an effort from distance that proved too difficult for Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki to handle, as the ball slipped through her hands and into the net to give Nigeria the lead.
Nigeria doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Esther Stephen produced an exquisite pass over the Japanese defence, allowing Umejiaku to race through and brilliantly lift the ball over Kadowaki in the 47th minute.
Umejiaku finished the tournament with a remarkable record, contributing to a goal in all seven of Nigeria’s matches. She scored four goals and provided two assists, while also winning the penalty that secured Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over Venezuela.
Japan pulled one back in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito and continued searching for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Nigeria remained resolute to protect their advantage and secure a historic 2-1 victory.
Nigeria’s triumph marks a significant improvement on their previous best performance in the competition, when they finished third in the 2022 edition.
Image: FIFA
