According to a report from Daily Post Nigeria, on Sunday November 08, 2026, Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai believes his team’s failure to score earlier contributed to its 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final. The match ended with the Flamingos claiming the title after a competitive contest in Morocco.

Nigeria made the most of its opportunities, with Awawu Bashiru opening the scoring and Oluebube Umejiaku adding a second goal.

Japan continued to push for a response, but its breakthrough came late in the match when Fuki Ito found the net. The goal gave Japan hope, but the team was unable to score again before the final whistle.

Speaking after the game, Shirai said an earlier goal could have given his players a better chance of changing the outcome.

“I believe that if we had managed to score earlier, we might have had a better chance of winning the match,” he told FIFA.

Japan earned its place in the final by defeating North Korea in the previous round. Nigeria advanced after overcoming Brazil. Although Japan mounted a late challenge, the Flamingos defended their advantage and secured the championship.

The result gave Nigeria its first title in the competition, while Japan had to settle for second place.