Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

The Nigerian side secured their first-ever title in the competition with a strong performance at the Stade de Marrakech, becoming the first African nation to win the tournament since its introduction in 2008.

Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku gave Nigeria a two-goal advantage before Japan pulled one back late in the contest.

Bashiru and Umejiaku fire Nigeria ahead

Both teams started the final mounting sustained pressure, but Nigeria found the breakthrough six minutes before half-time.

Awawu Bashiru finished off a well-worked attacking move in the 39th minute to give the Flamingos the lead and put them in control heading into the interval.

Nigeria wasted little time extending their advantage after the restart.

Just two minutes into the second half, Oluebube Umejiaku found the net with an impressive finish to make it 2-0 and strengthen the Flamingos’ grip on the final.

The early second-half goal gave Nigeria a significant advantage as they looked to complete their impressive campaign with the trophy.

Japan rally but Flamingos hold on

Japan attempted to fight their way back into the contest and reduced the deficit in the 79th minute.

The goal set up a tense closing period, but Nigeria’s defence remained resolute and prevented their opponents from finding another breakthrough.

The final whistle confirmed a historic triumph for the Flamingos, who became the first African team to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s achievement capped a remarkable tournament run, which included a semi-final victory over Brazil to secure their place in the final.

The title represents a landmark moment for Nigerian women’s football and adds another major achievement to the country’s record in youth international competitions.