BREAKING: Flamingos Make History, Defeat Japan 2–1 to Win First FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history after defeating Japan 2–1 to lift the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy in Morocco on Saturday, November 7.

The Nigerian girls produced an impressive performance in the final to secure the country’s first-ever championship title in the competition.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 38th minute of the first half with a long-range effort that slipped through the hands of Japanese goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

The Flamingos doubled their advantage early in the second half through Oluebube Umejiaku, who calmly lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to give Nigeria a commanding 2–0 lead.

Japan fought back and reduced the deficit through Ito in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian side held on to secure a historic 2–1 victory.

The triumph marks a major milestone for Nigerian and African football, as the Flamingos become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria booked their place in the final after defeating Brazil 3–1 in the semi-finals, while Japan secured their ticket following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over defending champions North Korea.

The victory represents a remarkable achievement for coach Akeem Busari and his players, who have brought global recognition to Nigeria with their outstanding campaign.

The historic triumph is also Nigeria’s first title at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, having previously finished third in the 2022 edition.

Nigeria’s victory over Japan has further established the Flamingos as one of the emerging forces in women’s youth football.

BREAKING: Flamingos Make History, Defeat Japan 2–1 to Win First FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

BREAKING: Ronaldo Retires From International Football After 23 Years With Portugal

Nigeria Flamingos Make History, Stun Brazil 3-1 to Reach U-17 Women’s World Cup Final

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history by becoming the first African country to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Brazil 3-1 in a thrilling semi-final encounter on Wednesday night.

Inspired by a brilliant brace from Awawu Bashiru and an early strike from Queen Joseph, the Nigerian girls produced an impressive performance to overcome their South American opponents and book a historic place in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

Joseph opened the scoring with a close-range finish from four yards to give Akeem Busari’s side an early advantage.

Bashiru then doubled Nigeria’s lead with a moment of brilliance, sending a lofted cross over the Brazilian goalkeeper and into the net in the 71st minute.

The forward completed her brace 10 minutes later, calmly firing home a well-placed effort at the near post to extend Nigeria’s advantage and send the Nigerian bench, supporters and officials into wild celebrations.

Brazil managed to pull one back through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but it was too little, too late as the Flamingos held on for a memorable victory.

The triumph represents Nigeria’s first-ever victory over Brazil at this level and marks a significant milestone for African women’s football, with the Flamingos becoming the first team from the continent to qualify for the tournament’s final.

Nigeria will now have the opportunity to surpass their previous best achievement of winning the bronze medal in 2022 as they prepare for a showdown with Japan, who defeated tournament favourites Korea DPR in the other semi-final.

The eagerly anticipated final is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, in Morocco, with the Flamingos aiming to crown their historic campaign with Nigeria’s first-ever U-17 Women’s World Cup title.