Nigeria Flamingos Break Japan’s Resistance As Awawu Bashiru Scores In U17 World Cup Final

According to a report by Flashscore on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria’s Flamingos moved ahead of Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after Awawu Bashiru found the back of the net in the 39th minute to make the score 1-0.

The breakthrough came just before the end of the first half, giving Nigeria a valuable advantage in their quest to become world champions for the first time. The goal also increased the confidence of the Nigerian players, who had been searching for an opportunity to take control of the contest.

Bashiru produced an ambitious strike from outside the penalty area, hoping to catch the Japanese goalkeeper by surprise. Her effort proved decisive as Kou Kadowaki failed to hold the ball cleanly, allowing it to slip beyond her reach and enter the net.

It was a disappointing moment for Japan’s goalkeeper, but a memorable one for the Flamingos, whose persistence finally produced the opening goal of the final.

The Nigerian team had shown attacking intentions from the beginning of the match, with Oluwakemi Adegbuyi previously attempting to trouble the Japanese defence. However, Japan had managed to keep the score level until Bashiru’s intervention in the 39th minute.

Bashiru’s goal was particularly encouraging considering her outstanding contribution in the semi-final against Brazil. The Nigerian midfielder scored twice as the Flamingos defeated Brazil 3-1 to secure their first-ever appearance in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

That performance established her as one of Nigeria’s most influential players heading into the championship encounter.

The Flamingos also had several other players who contributed significantly to their journey. Their attacking strength and determination helped them overcome Mexico and Venezuela before producing their impressive semi-final display against Brazil.

Japan were equally determined to claim the championship, having previously won the tournament in 2014. Their qualification for the final followed a difficult semi-final encounter against North Korea, which they eventually won through a penalty shootout.

However, Bashiru’s 39th-minute strike placed Nigeria in a promising position as the two countries battled for the trophy.

For the Flamingos, the objective was clear: protect their advantage, remain organised defensively and continue looking for opportunities to extend their lead.

The 1-0 scoreline gave Nigeria an important opportunity to make history and bring the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy to Africa for the first time.

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