Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by winning their first-ever FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final.
The victory also makes Nigeria the first African country to win the tournament.
Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scored the goals that secured the historic triumph for the Nigerian side.
Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute, converting a pass from Mary Dunstan to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead before the break.
The midfielder sent a dropping ball towards goal, which Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki failed to control as it slipped through her gloves and into the net.
The Flamingos doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Umejiaku scored in the 47th minute.
Umejiaku raced onto a long pass from Esther Stephen, controlled the ball with her left foot and lifted it over the advancing goalkeeper.
Japan reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who converted a pass from Anri Ito to make it 2-1.
The goal increased the pressure on Nigeria as Japan pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages.
However, the Flamingos defended their advantage despite late attempts from Japan, including an effort by Mashiro Yamaji.
Nigeria held on through five minutes of added time to secure the championship.
Flamingos complete remarkable comeback
The triumph capped an impressive campaign for the Nigerian team, which recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to win five consecutive matches.
They bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1, ending their 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition.
The Flamingos subsequently defeated Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16, with Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan finding the net.
Azeezat Oduntan scored a late penalty in the 89th minute to give Nigeria a 1-0 quarter-final victory over Venezuela.
The Nigerian side then secured their first-ever appearance in the final with a convincing 3-1 win over Brazil.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, while Bashiru scored twice in the 71st and 80th minutes to seal Nigeria’s place in the final.
Head coach Akeem Busari credited psychological guidance and renewed confidence for the team’s turnaround after their opening defeat.
Captain Harmony Chidi also described the opportunity to win the trophy as a moment the players would never forget.
The title adds to the Flamingos’ achievements in 2026 after they won the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria finished that competition with five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.
[11/9, 10:47 AM] rosewendy: Flamingos Beat Japan to Claim Historic U-17 World Cup Title
