Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have defeated Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, securing the country’s first-ever title in the competition. Nigerianews subscription

The Flamingos produced an impressive performance in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring for Nigeria.

Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a long-range effort that beat Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

Nigeria doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Umejiaku chipped the ball over the advancing Japanese goalkeeper to make it 2-0. Nigerianews subscription

Japan attempted a comeback, with Ito Ffuki pulling one back in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to secure a historic 2-1 victory. Nigerianews subscription

The triumph marks a major milestone for Nigerian women’s football, as the Flamingos claim their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup crown after previously finishing third at the 2022 tournament.