Nigeria's Flamingos have made history by winning their first FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title, defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, Morocco. Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku gave Nigeria a two-goal advantage before Japan mounted a late challenge. The Flamingos held on to secure a landmark victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
The triumph makes Nigeria the first African country to win the U-17 Women's World Cup, ending the continent's long wait for the title and giving the Flamingos their best-ever finish in the competition. Having lost their opening match to Poland, the Nigerian youngsters responded with a remarkable run of victories to reach the final. They completed that recovery in style by overcoming one of the tournament's most successful teams.
Bashiru and Umejiaku were key to Nigeria's victory, with Bashiru unleashing a long-range effort that Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki failed to hold, allowing the ball to slip through her hands and into the net in the 39th minute. Umejiaku kept her composure to finish in the 47th minute, putting Nigeria 2-0 ahead and bringing the team closer to a historic title.
Japan, champions in 2014 and runners-up in 2010 and 2016, refused to surrender their hopes of a second title. The Asian side increased the pressure as the match entered its closing stages and found a way back into the contest in the 80th minute. Fuki Ito scored to reduce the deficit to 2-1, setting up a tense finish for the Nigerian team.
With four minutes added, the Flamingos were forced to defend their advantage against Japan's late attempts to find an equaliser. But Coach Akeem Busari's players held their ground until the final whistle, triggering celebrations as Nigeria secured the trophy. The victory completes a remarkable turnaround for the Flamingos, whose campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.
Coach Akeem Busari's side recovered with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR in the group stage before defeating Mexico in the Round of 16 and Venezuela in the quarter-finals. Their 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil then secured Nigeria's first appearance in the final. The Flamingos had previously finished third at the 2022 edition in India, their best performance before this tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe were both in the stands to witness Coach Akeem Busari-led Flamingos write a new chapter in women's football. Japan, meanwhile, had reached their fourth final, having won the competition in 2014. They will have to wait for another opportunity to add to that title. For Nigeria, however, the wait is over.
Key points
- Nigeria is the first African country to win the U-17 Women's World Cup title.
- The Flamingos' victory completes a remarkable turnaround from their opening match loss to Poland.
- Coach Akeem Busari's team had previously finished third at the 2022 edition in India.
