Nigeria’s junior women’s football team, the Flamingos on Saturday made history as the first-ever African side to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup at any level after a 2-1 defeat of Japan’s Little Nadeshiko in the epic final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals decided at Pitch 3 of Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS reports.
With the development, Nigeria became the first African country to win the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday evening, after the fabulous Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in a spectacular final in Rabat. In the event, Nigeria also became the first country on the African continent to win the FIFA U17 World Cup in both male and female categories, following five triumphs in the male version of the competition in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
The Coach Akeem Busari’s side made history as the first team ever to win the title after losing their opening match of the tournament.
The Nigerian girls were crowned champions after a sensational goal by Awawu Bashiru in the first half and a clinical finish by Oluebube Umejiaku in the second rendered Fuki Ito’s 80th minute strike a mere consolation for the Asians.
The Flamingos produced a breathtaking performance at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Saturday to dethrone the Asian giants and write their names in history.
Goals from Awau Bashiru and Olubebe Umejiaku sealed the triumph, as Fuki Ito’s late strike proved only a consolation for Japan.
Nigeria had beaten Korea DPR and Brazil in the run-in before handing Japan a third final defeat to claim their maiden crown.
It was a massive improvement on their bronze medal finish at the 2022 tournament.
Bashiru broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when her speculative shot from the edge of the area slipped off the goalkeeper’s gloves and into the net for 1-0.
Umejiaku doubled the lead just two minutes into the second half, finishing with composure in the 47th minute to make it 2-0.
Ito pulled one back for Japan from a corner kick to set up a tense finish, but the Flamingos held on with courage and discipline to claim the victory and the title.
Nigeria are now world champions.
