Nigeria’s U‑17 women’s team, the Flamingos, captured the 2026 FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup by defeating Japan 2‑1 in the final held in Rabat on Saturday night. The win marks the first time an African nation has lifted the prestigious youth tournament.
Japan began the match brightly, applying early pressure on the Nigerian defence. Flamingos forward Awawu Bashiru and midfielder Olubebe Umejiaku each missed promising chances as the hosts tried to establish control. Umejiaku came close to opening the scoring in the 38th minute when her header struck the crossbar.
Just a minute later, Bashiru broke the deadlock with a long‑range effort that slipped past the Japanese goalkeeper, giving Nigeria a 1‑0 lead that they maintained through the half‑time break.
Two minutes into the second half, Umejiaku restored the Flamingos’ advantage with a “brilliant finish,” extending the lead to 2‑0. Japan rallied late, and Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, setting up a tense final stretch, but Nigeria held firm to preserve the 2‑1 victory.
Coach Akeem Busari’s side not only secured the title but also made history as the first African team to win the FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup, a milestone for the continent’s football development.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>