Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history by winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco. The victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex secured Nigeria’s first title in the competition and made the country the first African nation to lift the trophy. It also marked the first time an African women’s national team has won a FIFA World Cup title.

The Flamingos took the lead in the 39th minute through Awawu Bashiru, whose effort from distance slipped through the hands of Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki. Nigeria doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku controlled a long pass from Esther Stephen before lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, setting up a tense finish, but the Nigerian side held on to secure the historic 2-1 victory. Umejiaku was named Player of the Match.

The triumph completed a remarkable campaign for coach Akeem Busari’s side, who recovered from an opening-day defeat to win six consecutive matches and claim the title.

Here is the full list of how the Flamingos reached the summit:

1. Nigeria 1-2 Poland – Group Stage

The Flamingos began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland, leaving them under pressure to secure positive results in their remaining Group B fixtures.

Despite creating opportunities, Nigeria were unable to avoid defeat as Poland claimed all three points in their opening encounter. The result meant the team had to respond quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.

2. Nigeria 2-0 Puerto Rico – Group Stage

Nigeria bounced back from their opening defeat with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their second group match.

The win gave the Flamingos their first three points of the tournament and restored confidence ahead of their decisive final group encounter against defending champions DPR Korea.

3. Nigeria 3-1 DPR Korea – Group Stage

The Flamingos produced one of their standout performances of the group stage by defeating two-time defending champions DPR Korea 3-1.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 38th minute. Kanyinsola Yusuf made it 3-0 with a superb free-kick in the 56th minute, while Yu Jong Hyang scored a late consolation for the defending champions.

The victory secured Nigeria’s place in the Round of 16 and ended DPR Korea’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the tournament.

4. Nigeria 2-1 Mexico – Round of 16

Nigeria continued their winning run with a 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16.

The result secured the Flamingos’ place in the quarter-finals and moved them closer to their ambition of winning the competition for the first time.

5. Nigeria 1-0 Venezuela – Quarter-final

The Flamingos booked their place in the semi-finals after edging Venezuela 1-0 in a closely contested quarter-final encounter.

With the match appearing destined for a penalty shootout, Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th-minute penalty to secure the decisive goal.

The victory took Nigeria into the last four for only the second time in the competition’s history, having previously finished third in 2022.

6. Nigeria 3-1 Brazil – Semi-final

Nigeria reached their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final after defeating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals on November 4.

Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Awawu Bashiru extended the lead in the 71st minute. Bashiru completed her brace in the 80th minute to put Nigeria firmly in control, while Greise Kelly scored a late consolation for Brazil in the 89th minute.

The victory was another major milestone for the Flamingos, who became the first African team to reach the final of the competition.

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026+1

7. Nigeria 2-1 Japan – Final

The Flamingos crowned their impressive campaign with a 2-1 victory over Japan on Saturday, November 7, to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Umejiaku doubled the advantage in the 47th minute. Japan fought back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held firm to secure the trophy.

The victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first African women’s national team to claim a FIFA World Cup title.

A campaign defined by resilience and collective effort

The Flamingos’ achievement was built on a remarkable recovery after their opening defeat to Poland. They scored goals through eight different players during the tournament, while FIFA statistics showed that they registered 113 attempts on goal before the final.

After six successive victories, Nigeria finished the competition as world champions, bringing the U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy to Africa for the first time.