FIFA U17 Women W’Cup: Dominant Nigerian Flamingos Beat Japan To Win Maiden Title

Nigerian Flamingos posted a dominant display to defeat Japan 2-1 at the final of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women World Cup on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to lift the trophy for the first time in the nation’s history.

The victory makes Nigeria the first African country to win the World Cup at both U17 men’s and women’s levels, a landmark moment for African football. Coach Akeem Busari’s side took the game to the Little Nadeshiko from the first whistle and were rewarded in the 39th minute when Awawu Bashiru fired Nigeria into a deserved 1-0 lead. Just two minutes after the restart, the Flamingos doubled their advantage. Oluebube Umejiaku struck in the 47th minute to make it 2-0 and send the Nigerian bench into wild jubilation. Japan, champions in 2014 and one of the most successful sides in the history of the competition, refused to surrender. They pulled one back in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito to set up a tense finale. However, the Flamingos stood firm. With discipline, courage and composure, they held off Japan’s late pressure to seal a famous 2-1 win. The triumph completes a remarkable turnaround for a team that started the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening match of the group stage. The Flamingos responded with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico, a stunning 3-1 victory over holders and two-time champions Korea DPR, a 2-1 win over Mexico in the Round of 16, victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals, and a dominant 3-1 semi-final win over Brazil. On Saturday night in Rabat, they finished the job in style with a 2-1 triumph against Japan. A team whose best finish before now was a bronze medal in 2022 has now claimed the ultimate reward. Nigeria, Africa, and every young girl who dares to dream can now celebrate the Flamingos as world champions.

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