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Nigeria’s Flamingos defeat Japan to win first U-17 Women’s World Cup title
Nigeria’s Under-17 female football team, Flamingos, during Saturday final, defeated Japan to win their first FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup title, making them the first African team to win the competition.
Anwawu Bashiru opened the score sheet in the 39th minute to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead at half-time, while Oluebube Umejiaku gave the team a second goal, two minutes into the second half.
The Japanese side were able to secure a goal in the 80th minute, when Fuki Ito converted a pass from Anri Ito to make it 2-1, thereby creating a tense final minutes in the match, as Japan tried hard to equalise while Nigeria vehemently protected the scoreline.
Flamingos continued their attempts at more goals, while Japan also had a late effort at goal but were unable to convert, before the referee blew the final whistle.
The Nigerian side had lost 2-1 to Poland in their opening game in the competition, but had a dramatic turnaround to secure five consecutive wins in their subsequent matches.
Akeem Busari, head coach of the flamingos said renewed confidence and psychological guidance assisted in improving the players’ attitude and approach.
The Flamingos had won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire with five victories and 17 goals before heading to Morocco for the World Cup.
