Nigeria’s Flamingos have emerged champions of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
The Nigerian girls secured the historic victory in the closing stages of the encounter to claim the trophy after an impressive campaign at the tournament.
Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute through Awawu Bashiru, who found the back of the net to give the Flamingos a 1-0 advantage before the end of the first half.
The Nigerian side doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 47th minute to put Nigeria firmly in control of the final.
Japan, however, refused to give up and reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, setting up a tense finish to the encounter.
Despite Japan’s late push for an equaliser, the Flamingos held on to their advantage to secure a 2-1 victory and lift the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
Nigeria’s journey to the final featured five victories and one defeat in six matches.
The Flamingos began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland before recovering with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico and a 3-1 win against Korea DPR in the group stage.
They continued their impressive run in the knockout rounds, defeating Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16 before edging Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals through an 89th-minute penalty converted by A. Oduntan.
Nigeria then produced an impressive performance to defeat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals and book their place in the final against Japan.
