According to a report by ESPN on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria's Flamingos have been crowned champions of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final played in Morocco. The historic triumph handed Nigeria their first-ever title in the competition and made the country the first African nation to lift the trophy. Meanwhile, Korea DPR secured third place after recording a remarkable 6-0 victory over Brazil in the bronze medal encounter.

Nigeria's victory over Japan represents a major breakthrough for the country's women's football, as the Flamingos successfully completed their impressive campaign by overcoming one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

The final took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, with both nations determined to finish the competition as world champions. Japan entered the match hoping to claim the trophy, but Nigeria demonstrated greater efficiency in front of goal during the decisive moments.

The Flamingos eventually took the lead in the 39th minute through Awawu Bashiru. The Nigerian youngster produced a powerful attempt from outside the penalty area, and Japan's goalkeeper, Kou Kadowaki, could not prevent the ball from crossing the goal line.

Bashiru's excellent strike gave Nigeria a 1-0 advantage and ensured that the African side entered the half-time break in a favourable position.

The Nigerian team returned for the second half with renewed determination and quickly increased their lead. Just two minutes after the restart, Oluebube Umejiaku scored Nigeria's second goal in the 47th minute to make the score 2-0.

The goal placed Japan under serious pressure, as the Asian side now needed to produce a strong response to remain in contention for the championship. Despite the setback, Japan continued searching for opportunities to reduce the deficit.

Their persistence eventually paid off in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito scored to make the scoreline 2-1. The goal gave Japan hope of forcing an equaliser and created a tense atmosphere during the closing stages.

However, the Flamingos refused to surrender their advantage. Nigeria remained disciplined at the back, successfully dealt with Japan's attacking threats and protected their lead until the referee brought the final to an end.

The victory sparked celebrations among the Nigerian players, who had achieved their ambition of becoming world champions for the first time.

Elsewhere, Korea DPR delivered a dominant performance against Brazil in the third-place playoff, securing an impressive 6-0 victory to claim the bronze medal.

Kim Won-sim opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Ri Ui-gyong extended the advantage before half-time. Korea DPR continued their dominance after the interval, with Ri Ye-rim adding another goal.

Ri Ui-gyong subsequently completed her brace, while Yu Jong-hyang and Ri Kyong-im contributed the remaining goals to complete Brazil's heavy defeat.

The final standings therefore saw Nigeria finish in first position, Japan take second place, Korea DPR secure third, while Brazil ended the tournament in fourth position.

Nigeria's achievement becomes even more impressive when considering the difficulties they experienced at the beginning of the competition. The Flamingos lost their opening group match 2-1 against Poland but responded positively by defeating Puerto Rico, Korea DPR, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil before overcoming Japan.

Their remarkable recovery demonstrated the team's resilience, determination and ability to perform under pressure.

Ultimately, Nigeria's championship victory represents a historic moment for African football. The Flamingos have not only secured their first FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title but have also become the first African nation to achieve the feat, giving the country and the entire continent a memorable reason to celebrate.