Nigeria's Flamingos have etched their names in history by claiming the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday's final in Morocco. The victory makes them the first African team ever to win the tournament since its inception.

Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scored the goals that secured Nigeria's maiden world title in the competition. Japan mounted a late challenge, but the Flamingos held firm to complete an impressive run.

Bashiru broke the deadlock in the 39th minute after capitalising on a mistake by Japan's goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki. The forward lobbed a dropping ball toward goal, and Kadowaki's hands failed to grip it, allowing the ball to slip through her gloves into the net.

Nigeria had threatened earlier through Bashiru and Umejiaku, whose efforts drifted just wide of the target. Umejiaku's header from a set-piece crashed against the crossbar after Kadowaki again mishandled the delivery.

The Flamingos doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half when Umejiaku finished off a slick attacking move in the 47th minute. Esther Stephen threaded a cutting pass upfield that sent Umejiaku racing through on goal, and she controlled with her left foot before chipping the ball delicately over the advancing Kadowaki.

Japan pressed hard in the closing stages and tested Nigeria's resolve as the Flamingos retreated to shield their advantage. The Nigerian teenagers withstood the onslaught to secure a landmark win and reshape African women's football.

The triumph capped a remarkable tournament for the squad, who bounced back from an opening 2-1 loss to Poland to string together five consecutive victories. Nigeria has now become the first African nation to claim the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, adding another chapter to the country's decorated youth football legacy.