Nigeria’s U‑17 women’s team, the Flamingos, clinched the 2026 FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup title with a 2‑1 victory over Japan in the final held in Morocco on Saturday, according to BSNSports.com.ng.
The match turned on a long‑range strike from Awawu Bashiru just before half‑time, which slipped past the Japanese goalkeeper after a handling error. Nigeria extended the lead two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 47th minute. Japan pulled one back in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, but the Flamingos held firm to preserve the win.
The triumph marks Nigeria’s first ever FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup championship and represents a historic milestone for African women’s football.
Nigeria’s road to the final was marked by a comeback after a 2‑1 opening‑day loss to Poland. The side then recorded victories over Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil. A 3‑1 semi‑final win over Brazil, highlighted by a brace from Bashiru and a goal from Queen Joseph, secured their place in the final.
Japan reached the decider after a dramatic semi‑final against North Korea, overturning a deficit to force a penalty shoot‑out before advancing.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
