According to a report by ESPN on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria's Flamingos have made history by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup to lift the trophy for the first time. The remarkable triumph has established Nigeria as the first African country to win the competition, marking a historic moment for women's football on the continent. Meanwhile, Korea DPR finished third after recording an emphatic 6-0 victory over Brazil.

The final between Nigeria and Japan was played in Rabat, Morocco, with both teams determined to secure the prestigious championship. Japan came into the encounter hoping to claim the title, but Nigeria delivered an impressive performance, combining attacking ambition with defensive discipline to emerge victorious.

The Flamingos began the match with confidence and showed their intention to take control of the contest. Their efforts eventually produced the opening goal in the 39th minute through Awawu Bashiru.

The Nigerian midfielder demonstrated excellent technique by firing a powerful shot from outside the penalty box. Her effort proved too difficult for Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki to stop as the ball found its way into the back of the net. Bashiru's brilliant finish gave Nigeria a valuable 1-0 lead heading into the half-time break.

Nigeria returned for the second half with even greater determination and wasted little time extending their advantage. Just two minutes after the restart, Oluebube Umejiaku found the net in the 47th minute to make it 2-0.

Her important contribution placed the Flamingos in a stronger position and increased their chances of securing the historic trophy. Japan, however, refused to surrender and continued searching for a way back into the game.

Their persistence eventually paid off in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito scored to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal brought fresh excitement to the final and gave the Japanese players hope of forcing an equaliser before the end of the encounter.

However, Nigeria remained composed despite the growing pressure. The Flamingos defended their advantage with determination, preventing Japan from finding another goal and completing their comeback.

When the referee sounded the final whistle, celebrations erupted among the Nigerian players and supporters as the team officially became world champions. The victory also confirmed Nigeria's place in history as the first African nation to lift the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Elsewhere, Korea DPR produced a dominant display in the third-place playoff, thrashing Brazil 6-0 to claim the bronze medal.

Kim Won-sim opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Ri Ui-gyong added another goal to give Korea DPR a comfortable advantage. Their dominance continued after the break, with Ri Ye-rim getting on the scoresheet.

Ri Ui-gyong subsequently completed her brace, while Yu Jong-hyang and Ri Kyong-im also registered their names among the goalscorers to complete the convincing 6-0 triumph.

The result secured third place for Korea DPR, while Brazil finished the tournament in fourth position. Japan settled for the runners-up position and the silver medal after their defeat to Nigeria.

It is also important to recognise the impressive journey of the Flamingos throughout the competition. Nigeria began the tournament with a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Poland, but the young players responded positively by winning their remaining matches.

They recorded victories against Puerto Rico and Korea DPR in the group stage before eliminating Mexico in the round of 16. The team subsequently overcame Venezuela in the quarter-finals and Brazil in the semi-finals before completing their remarkable campaign with a victory over Japan.

Their ability to recover from an opening-day defeat and maintain their winning mentality throughout the knockout stages demonstrated the quality, resilience and determination within the squad.

Ultimately, Nigeria's triumph represents a landmark achievement for the country's football history and African women's football. By defeating Japan in the final, the Flamingos have secured their first-ever U-17 Women's World Cup title and delivered a moment of national pride that will be remembered for generations.