Nigeria, France only countries to win both men, women FIFA U-17 World Cups

Spread the word Nigeria have achieved another historic milestone in world football after becoming only the second country, after France, to win both the men’s and women’s FIFA U-17 World Cups.

The remarkable feat follows the Flamingos’ 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, completing a rare double that places Nigeria among an exclusive group of nations in youth football, blueprint reports.

The achievement adds a new chapter to Nigeria’s rich history in age-grade competitions and further strengthens the country’s reputation as one of the major forces in youth football.

Nigeria’s latest triumph came through a hard-fought victory over Japan in Saturday’s final, where the Flamingos showed determination and composure to secure their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute, giving the African side an advantage before the interval.

The Flamingos doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 47th minute, putting Nigeria in a commanding position.

Japan fought back and reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, setting up a tense finish. However, the Nigerian girls held their ground to preserve their advantage and emerge champions.

The victory made Nigeria the first African country to win the women’s competition and the first African women’s national team to claim a FIFA World Cup title at any level.

Nigeria’s success in the men’s FIFA U-17 World Cup has been established over several decades.

The Golden Eaglets first won the competition in 1985 in China, becoming the inaugural champions of the tournament.

They added a second title in 1993 in Japan before lifting the trophy again in 2007 in South Korea.

Nigeria went on to win back-to-back editions in 2013 in the United Arab Emirates and 2015 in Chile, becoming the first country to win the men’s competition five times.

Those triumphs established Nigeria as the most successful nation in the history of the men’s FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The Golden Eaglets’ achievements also produced several players who went on to represent the senior national team and feature prominently in professional football across Europe and other parts of the world.

Before Nigeria’s latest triumph, France were the only country to have won both the men’s and women’s FIFA U-17 World Cups.

France won the men’s competition in 2001 in Trinidad and Tobago, defeating Nigeria 3-0 in the final.

The French later secured the women’s title in 2012 in Azerbaijan, beating Korea DPR 7-6 on penalties after a goalless draw.

Nigeria have now joined France in achieving the rare distinction, although the two countries reached the milestone through different paths.

For Nigeria, the men’s title collection began in 1985, while the women’s breakthrough came in 2026, more than four decades after the Golden Eaglets’ first triumph.

Beyond Nigeria’s national achievement, the Flamingos’ victory represents an important moment for African football.

No African country had previously won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, despite the continent’s growing participation and competitiveness in women’s youth football.

Nigeria’s triumph has therefore broken new ground and demonstrated the potential of African teams to compete for global honours at the highest level.

The victory also provides a significant platform for the development of women’s football in Nigeria, particularly in talent identification, youth competitions, coaching and investment in the women’s game.

The Flamingos’ performance in Morocco showed the importance of maintaining a pathway through which talented young players can progress from age-grade football to the senior national team.

The rare double further strengthens Nigeria’s standing in FIFA youth competitions.

The country has now demonstrated success in both the men’s and women’s editions of the U-17 World Cup, an achievement that reflects the depth of football talent available across the country.

The immediate challenge will be to ensure that the Flamingos’ success is not treated as an isolated achievement but becomes a foundation for sustained investment in women’s football.

Improved grassroots competitions, stronger domestic structures, quality coaching, adequate facilities and support for young players will be important in ensuring that the current generation can progress to higher levels.

For now, the Flamingos have secured their place in Nigerian and African football history.

With five men’s U-17 World Cup titles and now a maiden women’s crown, Nigeria have joined France as the only two countries to have conquered both sides of FIFA’s U-17 World Cup competitions.