By Ayobami Okerinde
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have defeated Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos secured the historic victory on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, to claim their first title in the competition.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute with a long-range effort that slipped through the hands of the Japanese goalkeeper.
Nigeria doubled their advantage shortly after the restart, with Oluebube Umejiaku finding the net in the 47th minute to put the Flamingos in control.
Japan fought back and reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute.
The Japanese side pushed for an equaliser, but Nigeria held on to secure the 2-1 victory. The Flamingos also came close to extending their lead late in the game, striking the crossbar from a corner kick.
Road to victory
Flamingos’ campaign in Morocco did not begin as expected, as the Flamingos suffered a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group match.
They subsequently recorded a narrow victory over Puerto Rico before producing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by defeating defending champions DPR Korea 3-1.
The Nigerian side built on that result with victories over Mexico and Venezuela before overcoming Brazil in the semi-finals to secure a historic place in the final.
Nigeria are the first African country to reach the final of the competition.
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