Nigeria's Flamingos have made history by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, becoming the first African nation to lift the prestigious trophy. The match took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, with Awawu Bashiru scoring in the 39th minute and Oluebube Umejiaku adding another goal in the 47th minute. Japan's Fuki Ito scored a late consolation goal in the 80th minute, but it was not enough to stop the Flamingos from claiming the title.
The Flamingos' victory is a significant milestone for African football, marking the first time a team from the continent has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both men's and women's categories. Nigeria's achievement also marks a remarkable turnaround, as the team lost their opening match to Poland 2-1 but recovered to win five consecutive games and claim the title. The National Sports Commission (NSC) praised the team's resilience and historic feat, saying it was a defining moment for Nigerian and African women's football.
Ahead of the final, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade had urged the players to focus on their goal, saying, "Keep your eyes on the prize. You are on the verge of writing your names in history as the first African team to win a women's World Cup at any level." President Bola Tinubu also congratulated the team after their semi-final win over Brazil, encouraging them to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that had brought them this far.
Head coach Akeem Busari played a crucial role in guiding the team to victory, emphasizing focus and finishing the job in the lead-up to the final. "It is just for us to concentrate, let's put the icing on the cake… let's be focused and let's finish the job because the job is not yet done," he said. Busari noted that reaching the final was a plus for Nigerian football, saying, "Reaching the final is a plus for our country, it's a plus for our football."
The Flamingos' path to the title included wins over Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela, and a commanding 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil. Player Queen Joseph, who scored in the semi-final against Brazil, captured the broader significance of the team's achievement, saying, "I am super-proud of myself and my team because we made history by reaching the final."
The Flamingos' success underscores growing strength in Nigerian women's youth football and delivers a landmark moment for the continent. The team's achievement has sparked widespread celebrations, with the NSC leading the wave of congratulations. The victory is seen as a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, as well as the growing investment in women's football in Nigeria.
As the first team in the competition's history to lose their opening match and still go on to claim the title, the Flamingos have etched their names in the record books. The team's historic win has also inspired a new generation of young female footballers in Nigeria and across Africa, providing a shining example of what can be achieved with determination and perseverance.
Key points
- The Flamingos are the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.
- Nigeria's victory marks a remarkable turnaround, as the team lost their opening match but recovered to win five consecutive games.
- The team's achievement underscores growing strength in Nigerian women's youth football and delivers a landmark moment for the continent.
