The Flamingos of Nigeria earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Japan on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Morocco to win the 2026 FIFA Women's U-17 World Cup for the first time. This historic victory marked Nigeria's first-ever title in the competition, making them the first African nation to win the championship. The team, led by Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, scored two goals in the match, with Bashiru opening the scoring in the 39th minute and Umejiaku doubling Nigeria's advantage just two minutes into the second half.
Japan's Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held on to secure the historic triumph. This win made Nigeria the first team to lose their opening match of the tournament and still go on to lift the trophy, recovering from a 2-1 defeat to Poland to win the championship after an impressive run through the knockout stages. The Flamingos finished the tournament with 14 goals scored and six conceded in six matches.
The triumph also made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both categories, following the Golden Eaglets' previous successes in the men's competition. This achievement further highlights Nigeria's dominance in Women's football in Africa. The team's coach expressed pride and satisfaction with the team's performance, saying it was a great achievement.
Awawu Bashiru broke the deadlock in the 39th minute with a stunning effort that escaped the attention of the Japanese goalkeeper to sail into the net, sending the Nigerian supporters into wild jubilation. Two minutes after the break, Oluebube Umejiaku added the second goal with a fine individual strike to beat the Japanese goalkeeper. The Flamingos' victory was met with excitement and celebration from their fans and the Nigerian football community.
Japan pulled one back late through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute to set up a tense finish in the encounter. However, the Flamingos held on to their lead to seal a deserved win and emerge champions of the tournament. This was Japan's fourth appearance in the tournament's final, having previously reached the finals in 2010, 2014, and 2016.
The 2026 FIFA Women's U-17 World Cup was a milestone event for Nigerian football, marking a new era of success and achievement for the country's women's team. The Flamingos' victory has inspired a new generation of young female footballers in Nigeria and across Africa. The team's success will likely have a positive impact on the development of women's football in Nigeria and the wider African region.
The Flamingos' historic win has been hailed as a significant achievement for Nigerian football, and the team is expected to return home to a hero's welcome. The victory has also sparked celebrations across Nigeria, with fans and football enthusiasts congratulating the team on their impressive performance. The Flamingos' win will be remembered as a landmark moment in Nigerian football history.
Key points
- Nigeria's Flamingos are the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both men's and women's categories.
