Japan’s captain Honoka Yotsumoto has said the Little Nadeshiko are determined to honour their predecessors by winning the 2026 FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup, which will be the team’s fourth appearance in a final. The Japanese side last reached the title‑deciding match in 2010, 2014 and 2016, and captured their only triumph in 2014 in Costa Rica when they beat Spain 2‑0 in San Jose.
They now face Nigeria’s Flamingos, who are chasing their first-ever U‑17 Women’s World Cup crown. The Nigerian side has produced a string of impressive performances in Morocco, including a 3‑1 victory over defending champions DPR Korea in the group stage and a 3‑1 win over Brazil in the semi‑finals to secure their place in the final.
- Japan reached the final in 2010, 2014, 2016
- Japan’s sole title came in 2014 (Costa Rica)
- Nigeria’s Flamingos have never appeared in a U‑17 Women’s World Cup final
“We carry the hopes and feelings of the players who came before us. We want to honour them by bringing the trophy back to Japan,” Yotsumoto told FIFA.
Japan will look to draw inspiration from their 2014 triumph as they prepare to face a confident Nigerian side eager to make history by claiming their maiden title.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>