Flamingos Win Historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Title

‎Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to claim their first-ever title in the competition.

The Nigerian girls produced a determined performance to overcome the former champions at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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‎Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 38th minute after her long-range effort slipped through the hands of Japanese goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.
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‎The Flamingos started the second half brightly and doubled their advantage just two minutes after the restart when Oluebube Umejiaku lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
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‎Japan responded with increased pressure and eventually reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito, setting up a tense finish.
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‎However, the Nigerian girls held their nerve through the closing stages to secure a famous 2-1 victory and lift the trophy for the first time.
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‎The triumph marks a remarkable achievement for coach Akeem Busari and his players, who recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to win six consecutive matches and become world champions.
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‎Their journey to the title included victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR in the group stage, before overcoming Mexico in the Round of 16, Venezuela in the quarter-finals and Brazil in the semi-finals.
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‎Nigeria had booked their first-ever appearance in the final with an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil, in which Queen Joseph scored before Bashiru struck twice.
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‎The victory over Japan takes the Flamingos beyond their previous best performance of third place at the 2022 edition in India.
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‎It also delivers a landmark achievement for African women's football, with Nigeria becoming the first team from the continent to win the global U-17 women's tournament.
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‎The Flamingos turned a difficult start in the tournament into an unforgettable campaign, bringing the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup trophy to Nigeria for the first time in history.