Nigeria’s Flamingos have won the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Japan in a thrilling final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, Bold Sports reports.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku were enough for Akeem Busari’s side to claim a historic victory, making Nigeria the first African country to win the competition.
Both teams created opportunities to break the deadlock in the first half, but the Flamingos had the better chances. Nigeria eventually took the lead in the 39th minute through Bashiru, whose audacious effort from outside the box slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki and into the net, giving the WAFU B champions a 1-0 advantage at the break.
Nigeria made a fast start to the second half, doubling their lead just two minutes after the restart. Umejiaku found the net with a composed finish to make it 2-0, putting the Flamingos in a strong position to secure their maiden World Cup title.
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Desperate to avoid defeat, Japan made three substitutions in the 62nd minute as they stepped up their search for a goal. The Asian side came close on a couple of occasions but failed to capitalise on mistakes from Nigeria’s defence and goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho.
Japan eventually found a breakthrough in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, setting up a tense finish as the Asian side pushed forward in search of an equaliser. However, Nigeria remained resolute at the back to protect their one-goal advantage and seal a historic victory.
The triumph marks a remarkable end to the tournament for the Flamingos, who recovered from a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening match to win six consecutive games and lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
The victory also makes Nigeria the first African nation to win the U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking a significant milestone for the country’s women’s football.
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