According to a report by Daily Post on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Japan U-17 women’s national team head coach Sadayoshi Shirai has expressed pride in his players despite their 2-1 defeat to Nigeria’s Flamingos in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Japan suffered the defeat at the Mohammed VI Football Complex Pitch 3 in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday night, as Nigeria secured their first-ever title in the history of the competition.

The Little Nadeshiko entered the final hoping to overcome the Nigerian side and lift the trophy, having impressed throughout the tournament. However, they eventually came up short against a Flamingos team that demonstrated greater attacking quality and physical strength during the decisive encounter.

Japan started the match positively but found it difficult to cope with Nigeria’s pace, physical presence and attacking threat as the contest progressed.

The Flamingos gradually gained control and translated their dominance into goals through Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, putting the Nigerian team in a commanding position.

Japan refused to surrender and continued searching for a way back into the encounter. Their efforts eventually produced a goal through Fuki Ito, who reduced the deficit with 10 minutes remaining.

Despite the late response, Shirai’s side could not find another goal to force the match into a different outcome, allowing Nigeria to hold on for a historic victory.

Speaking after the final, Shirai acknowledged the quality of the Nigerian team and admitted that his players struggled to contain the opposition’s attacking movements, particularly when the Flamingos exploited spaces behind their defence.

The Japanese coach, however, was pleased with the commitment his players demonstrated throughout the encounter, especially their determination to compete until the final whistle despite the difficult circumstances.

He also recognised the challenge of dealing with Nigeria’s speed and physical power, which proved decisive in several moments of the match.

Shirai maintained that his players gave everything they had in their attempt to overcome the Flamingos, expressing satisfaction with their fighting spirit despite the disappointing result.

Nigeria’s victory marked a historic achievement for the country, with the Flamingos becoming champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time.

The triumph also brought an end to Japan’s hopes of claiming the 2026 title, as the Nigerian youngsters celebrated their memorable success in Rabat.