Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.
The victory on Saturday, November 7, secured Nigeria’s first-ever title in the competition. It also made the Flamingos the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The final was played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria started strongly and created several chances against Japan.
The breakthrough came in the 39th minute. Awawu Bashiru fired from distance, and the ball slipped through the hands of Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki before entering the net.
The Flamingos returned from the break with renewed energy.
In the 47th minute, Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage. She controlled a long pass from Esther Stephen before lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Japan refused to give up.
Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute after Anri Ito headed the ball across goal.
The Japanese team pushed for an equaliser during the closing stages. However, Nigeria’s defence held firm to secure the historic victory.
Final score: Japan 1-2 Nigeria.
The victory marks a major milestone for Nigerian and African women’s football.
Nigeria became the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2008.
The Flamingos also became the first African nation to win FIFA U-17 World Cups in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The achievement followed Nigeria’s impressive recovery from a 2-1 opening-match defeat to Poland.
The team won six consecutive matches after that setback, including a 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-final.
Nigeria’s triumph was accompanied by individual recognition for Oluebube Umejiaku.
The forward scored in the final and finished the tournament with four goals.
She was named the tournament’s adidas Golden Ball winner, recognising her as its outstanding player.
Her performance against Japan also earned her the Player of the Match award.
The Flamingos’ victory is a landmark moment for Nigerian football.
It demonstrates the growing strength of the country’s women’s youth teams and gives African football its first champion in the competition.
Nigeria’s young players have now written their names into football history.
The Flamingos are world champions.
Nigeria 2-1 Japan. History made in Morocco.
