According to a report by Daily Post on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to claim their first-ever title in the competition.

The victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, also made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s Women’s World Cup, marking a significant achievement for the country’s women’s football.

Head coach Akeem Busari’s side had to overcome a difficult start against Japan, who immediately put the Nigerian defence under pressure with their attacking approach.

The Little Nadeshiko started brightly and looked determined to take control of the encounter, but the Flamingos gradually settled into the game and began creating opportunities.

Nigeria came close to opening the scoring through Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru, who both missed promising chances as the first half progressed.

Umejiaku almost gave the Flamingos the lead in the 38th minute when she connected with a header, but her effort struck the crossbar and denied Nigeria an opportunity to move ahead.

However, the Nigerian youngsters did not have to wait much longer to break the deadlock.

Bashiru put Nigeria ahead in the 39th minute with an impressive long-range effort that found the back of the net, giving the Flamingos a deserved 1-0 advantage.

The goal lifted the confidence of the Nigerian players, who maintained their lead until the half-time interval.

Two minutes after the restart, Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a brilliant finish to put Busari’s side in a commanding position.

The forward’s goal proved particularly important as Japan attempted to find a way back into the contest.

The Japanese youngsters refused to surrender and continued pushing forward in search of a comeback.

Their persistence eventually paid off in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito scored to reduce the deficit to 2-1, setting up a tense final period.

Japan increased the pressure as they searched for an equaliser, but the Flamingos remained organised and defended their advantage until the final whistle.

The victory sparked celebrations among the Nigerian players and coaching staff as they secured the country's first title at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Nigeria also became the first African nation to achieve the feat, bringing a historic end to their campaign in Morocco.