Nigeria U-17 women football team, the Flamingos, have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Nigerian team defeated Japan 2-1 in a thrilling final match played at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday night, securing the country’s first-ever title in the history of the competition.
It is a monumental achievement for Nigerian football, as the Flamingos have now become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since its inception in 2008.
Nigeria had a fairytale run to the final, overcoming formidable opponents like Brazil in the semi-finals to set up the clash against the Japanese side.
Both teams started the game with high intensity, but it was the Flamingos who broke the deadlock in the first half. A well-orchestrated attack saw forward Awawu Bashiru calmly slot the ball into the net in the 39th minute to put Nigeria ahead.
The Flamingos struck early in the second half to solidify their advantage. In the 47th minute, Oluebube Umejaiku fired home a brilliant finish to double Nigeria’s lead and put the team firmly in control of the contest.
Japan managed to pull one back in the 79th minute to reduce the deficit, but the goal proved to be a mere consolation as the Nigerian defense held firm until the final whistle.
