Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history after defeating Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, becoming the first African nation to lift the trophy.
The Nigerian team secured the historic victory on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku sealing the title.
Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute with an effort from distance that slipped through the hands of Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.
The Flamingos doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Umejiaku controlled a long pass from Esther Stephen before calmly lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper in the 47th minute.
Japan fought back and reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, setting up a tense finish. However, Nigeria defended resolutely to protect their lead and secure the championship.
The victory marks three major milestones for Nigerian and African football. The Flamingos have become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first African women’s national team to claim a FIFA World Cup trophy at any level.
Nigeria have also become the first country in Africa to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories. The Golden Eaglets previously won the boys’ competition in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
The triumph crowns a remarkable campaign for the Flamingos, who recovered from an opening 2-1 defeat to Poland to win their next six matches and claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition.
