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.

Nigeria’s U-17 female national team, Flamingos have qualified for the final of the 2026 Women’s U-17 World Cup.

The team defeated Brazil 3-1 vict in the semi-final in Sale, Morocco, on Wednesday.

A Queen Joseph opener and an Awawu Bashiru double drowned out Graise Kelly’s consolation goal, sending Nigeria to its first-ever final of the competition.

Before the kickoff whistle at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, a bronze medal in the 2022 edition was the highest Flamingos had achieved at the World Cup.

But after the Akeem Busari-led side wrapped up the game against a befuddled Brazilian team, only three days separated the Flamingos from Nigeria’s first global title in women’s football.

The first half ended goalless until the match picked up pace just after halftime. Oluwakeyi Adegbuyi drove into the Brazilian area, and her scuffed shot swerved into Joseph’s path, who tucked it in to give Nigeria the lead.

Then Bashiru doubled the advantage a few minutes later with an audacious cross-shot that lobbed, from the left byline, above everyone’s reach and into the net.

Bashiru then grabbed her second of the game after finishing a move that saw Flamingos practically pass the ball into the Brazilian net.

Brazil’s late strike was only good for a consolation against a team that outperformed them by all metrics.

Nigeria will face Japan, who defeated North Korea on penalties, in the final on Saturday.

Argentina football legend, Lionel Messi, has drawn the curtain on his international football with Argentina after an illustrious career with the South American nation.

The 39-year-old made a total of 207 appearances, announced his retirement on Monday.

He won the World Cup in 2022, and was a runner-up in 2026 and 2014. He also secured two Copa América titles.

Messi wrote in a statement, “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”

Messi, who made 207 appearances and reached three World Cup finals, is widely regarded by fans worldwide as the greatest footballer ever.