According to a Flashscore report published on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria’s Flamingos have become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 2-1 in the final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

The title represents a landmark achievement for Nigerian football and the wider continent. Japan pushed hard in the closing stages, but Nigeria held firm after building a two-goal advantage early in the second half. The result also completed a remarkable recovery from the Flamingos’ opening match defeat.

Nigeria moved ahead in the 39th minute when Awawu Bashiru tried her luck from outside the penalty area. Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki could not prevent the effort from crossing the line, giving the African side the lead before half-time.

The decisive second goal arrived shortly after the restart. Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 47th minute to put Nigeria 2-0 ahead and leave Japan chasing the match. Japan eventually found a response through Fuki Ito, whose 80th-minute goal made the score 2-1 and set up a tense finish.

The Flamingos resisted Japan’s late pressure, maintained their defensive shape and protected their advantage until the final whistle. Their victory secured Nigeria’s first championship in the competition and the first U-17 Women’s World Cup title won by an African nation.

Korea DPR claimed third place after overwhelming Brazil 6-0 in the playoff. Kim Won-sim opened the scoring in the 12th minute, while Ri Ui-gyong added a second before the interval. Ri Ye-rim scored after the break, and Ri Ui-gyong completed her brace. Yu Jong-hyang and Ri Kyong-im added further goals to seal the win. Brazil finished fourth, with Japan taking second place.

Nigeria’s route to the trophy included a difficult start, losing 2-1 to Poland in their opening group match. They recovered with victories over Puerto Rico and Korea DPR, then eliminated Mexico in the round of 16, Venezuela in the quarter-finals and Brazil in the semi-finals. The final win over Japan made it six successive victories after that first setback.

The Flamingos’ triumph marks a historic breakthrough for African women’s youth football internationally.