Flamingos Make History, Beat Japan to Win First U-17 Women’s World Cup Title

Home Home Latest News Latest News World Footaball World Footaball Nigeria Players Abroad Nigeria Players Abroad Nigeria Premier League Nigeria Premier League National Teams National Teams Videos Videos Super Eagles Super Eagles Transfer News & Rumours Transfer News & Rumours Games Games Flamingos Make History, Beat Japan to Win First U-17 Women’s World Cup Title 08 November 2026 Japan Share this with Email Share this with Facebook Share this with Twitter Share this with Whatsapp Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The Nigerian youngsters produced a determined performance to overcome the Little Nadeshiko, with first-half and second-half goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku securing the country’s maiden title in the competition.

Nigeria broke the deadlock shortly before the interval when Bashiru found the net with a long-range effort after a costly mistake by Japan’s goalkeeper.

The Flamingos wasted little time extending their advantage after the restart, with Umejiaku scoring in the 47th minute to put Nigeria 2-0 ahead and give them a firm grip on the contest.

Japan refused to give up, however, and Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish.

The Japanese side pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Nigeria held their ground to preserve their lead and secure a historic victory.

The triumph marks Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title and makes the Flamingos the first African team to win the tournament.

Their road to the championship was marked by a strong response to an opening 2-1 defeat against Poland. Nigeria recovered with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea before advancing through the knockout rounds.

The Flamingos subsequently defeated Mexico and Venezuela to reach the semi-finals, where they produced an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil.

Queen Joseph opened the scoring against Brazil before Bashiru struck twice to send Nigeria into their first final in the competition’s history.

Japan had also shown considerable resilience on their way to the final, coming from behind against North Korea in the semi-finals before securing qualification through a penalty shootout.

But Nigeria had the final say in Rabat, completing a remarkable campaign with a victory that will be remembered as a landmark moment for Nigerian football and the wider African women’s game.