Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by defeating Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, becoming the first African country to lift the trophy.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Nigerian side secured the historic victory in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, ending Japan’s hopes of winning their second title in the competition.
The triumph also marks Nigeria’s first-ever appearance in the final of the tournament and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.
Midfielder Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a long-range effort that slipped through the hands of Japan’s goalkeeper, Kou Kadowaki, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead at half-time.
The Flamingos doubled their advantage early in the second half through Oluebube Umejiaku, who lifted the ball over the advancing Japanese goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Japan reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who headed home, but Nigeria held on to secure the victory and the championship.
The triumph completes a remarkable campaign for the Nigerian team, coached by Akeem Busari, who recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to record five consecutive victories.
The Flamingos defeated Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea in the group stage before overcoming Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16 and Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
They subsequently defeated Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals, with Queen Joseph scoring once and Awawu Bashiru netting twice to secure Nigeria’s maiden appearance in the final.
Nigeria’s victory makes the country the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, adding to its history of success in the men’s U-17 competition.
Japan, who won the tournament in 2014, finished as runners-up in the 2026 edition.
