According to a report by FIFA.com on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history in Morocco after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to become the first African nation to win the prestigious competition.

The historic final, played on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, saw the Nigerian youngsters produce an impressive performance to overcome their Japanese opponents and claim their maiden world title.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute with an effort from distance that slipped through the hands of Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki and found the back of the net.

The Flamingos doubled their advantage just two minutes after the restart when Oluebube Umejiaku finished brilliantly in the 47th minute, controlling Esther Stephen's long pass before lifting the ball over the advancing Japanese goalkeeper.

Japan reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito to set up a tense finish as the Asian side searched for an equalizer.

However, the Nigerian girls remained resolute defensively to protect their advantage until the final whistle.

The victory represents a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African women's football, as the Flamingos became the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

It also makes Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men's and women's categories, following the Golden Eaglets' five triumphs in the boys' competition.

The achievement is particularly remarkable considering that Nigeria began the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Poland but recovered strongly to record six consecutive victories, including impressive wins over defending champions North Korea and Brazil.

Beyond the historic team achievement, Oluebube Umejiaku emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers, scoring the decisive goal in the final and winning the adidas Golden Ball as the best player of the competition.

Under the leadership of head coach Akeem Busari, the Flamingos have delivered a memorable campaign in Morocco, bringing the trophy to Africa for the first time and creating a new chapter in the history of women's football on the continent.

Photo highlights from the final: