Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have emerged champions of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.
The historic victory, secured at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, earned Nigeria its first-ever title in the competition.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for the Flamingos in the 39th minute with a long-range effort that slipped through the Japanese goalkeeper’s hands.
Nigeria extended its lead two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku found the net in the 47th minute.
Japan responded in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, setting up a tense finish as the Japanese side pushed for an equaliser.
However, the Flamingos maintained their advantage until the final whistle to secure the 2-1 victory and make history.
Nigeria also came close to adding a third goal late in the encounter, but a corner-kick effort struck the crossbar.
Nigeria become the first African winners of the competition despite losing their opening fixture.