According to a report by FIFA.com on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria’s Flamingos have secured the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Japan 2-1 in the final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco. The result delivers Nigeria its first championship in the competition and makes the country the first African winner of the tournament.

The title was earned through a determined performance against a Japanese side seeking to add to its 2014 triumph. Nigeria established control before half-time when Awawu Bashiru scored in the 39th minute, giving the team an important advantage heading into the break.

The Flamingos strengthened their position almost immediately after the restart. Oluebube Umejaiku found the net in the 47th minute, putting Nigeria two goals ahead and leaving Japan with a difficult task. Japan continued to press and Fuki Ito brought the score to 2-1 in the 80th minute. Despite the late pressure, Nigeria protected its lead until the final whistle.

The victory completed a significant recovery for head coach Akeem Busari’s team. Their campaign had opened with a 2-1 loss to Poland, raising the challenge of securing progress from the group stage. The players responded by defeating Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea to move into the knockout rounds.

Nigeria then eliminated Mexico with a 2-1 result in the round of 16. In the quarter-finals, Azeezat Oduntan converted a late penalty to earn a narrow 1-0 win over Venezuela.

The semi-final against Brazil provided another major test. Queen Joseph opened the scoring before Bashiru added two goals, completing a 3-1 victory that sent Nigeria into the final.

Japan had also demonstrated its strength, reaching the championship match after a dramatic semi-final against North Korea that was settled by a penalty shootout. The Japanese side entered the final hoping to claim its second title, but Nigeria denied that ambition.

For the Flamingos, the Rabat victory represents more than a successful tournament campaign. It establishes a new landmark for Nigerian women’s football and gives Africa its first champion at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating several established youth sides.