Nigeria become the first African nation to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy after defeating Japan 2-1 in a historic final, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring the decisive goals.
Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by winning their first-ever FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup title following a 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final.
The victory also makes Nigeria the first African country to win the competition, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku securing the historic triumph.
The Flamingos took the lead in the 39th minute when Bashiru capitalised on an assist from Mary Dunstan, sending a dropping effort past Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki to give Nigeria a 1-0 advantage at the break.
Nigeria doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half as Umejiaku finished brilliantly from Esther Stephen’s long pass. The forward controlled the ball with her left foot before lifting it over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Japan responded in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who converted Anri Ito’s pass to reduce the deficit and set up a tense closing period.
Despite Japan’s late pressure and attempts to find an equaliser, the Nigerian girls remained resolute, protecting their advantage until the final whistle after five minutes of added time.
Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Yusuf also threatened to extend Nigeria’s lead, while Japan’s late efforts failed to produce another goal.
Remarkable Comeback Seals Historic Triumph
The triumph capped an impressive turnaround for the Flamingos, who recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to win five consecutive matches and claim the trophy.
Nigeria bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before stunning defending champions North Korea 3-1, ending their 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the tournament.
The team subsequently defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, with Umejiaku and Dunstan finding the net to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Azeezat Oduntan scored a late penalty in the 89th minute to earn Nigeria a 1-0 victory over Venezuela before the Flamingos produced another impressive performance to defeat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, while Bashiru struck twice in the 71st and 80th minutes to send Nigeria into their first-ever final.
Head coach Akeem Busari attributed the team’s remarkable recovery from their opening defeat to psychological guidance and renewed confidence among the players.
Captain Harmony Chidi had also expressed her determination to lead the team to a historic triumph, describing the opportunity to lift the trophy as a moment that would remain unforgettable.
The achievement further reinforces Nigeria’s growing reputation in women’s youth football. Before heading to Morocco for the competition, the Flamingos won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, recording five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.
Their World Cup triumph now marks a historic milestone for Nigerian football and African women’s football as a whole.
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