Flamingos Win First-Ever U-17 Women’s World Cup Title

Nigeria’s Flamingos have won their first-ever FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final.

The victory has made Nigeria the first African country to win the competition. Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku’s goals secured the historic triumph.

Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute after receiving an assist from Mary Dunstan. Her effort gave Nigeria a 1-0 lead at half-time. The midfielder sent a dropping ball towards goal, but Japan goalkeeper Kadowaki failed to hold it as it slipped through her gloves and into the net.

The Flamingos doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half. Umejiaku scored in the 47th minute after Esther Stephen sent a long pass forward. She controlled the ball with her left foot before lifting it over Kadowaki to make it 2-0.

Japan responded in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who converted a pass from Anri Ito to reduce the deficit. The goal set up a tense finish as Japan pushed for an equaliser.

However, Nigeria held on despite late pressure. Kanyinsola Yusuf received a yellow card in the 83rd minute, while Umejiaku and Yusuf continued to threaten Japan’s defence. Japan also created a late chance through Mashiro Yamaji.

Umejiaku was flagged offside in the 94th minute before the referee ended the match after five minutes of added time. The final whistle confirmed Nigeria’s first title in the competition.

The victory capped a remarkable run for the Flamingos, who recovered from a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening match to win five consecutive games.

They responded with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before beating defending champions North Korea 3-1. The result ended North Korea’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the tournament.

Nigeria then defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, with Umejiaku and Dunstan scoring to secure a place in the quarter-finals. In the last eight, Azeezat Oduntan converted a late penalty in the 89th minute to give the Flamingos a 1-0 win over Venezuela.

The team reached its first-ever final after beating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals. Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Bashiru struck twice in the 71st and 80th minutes. Brazil scored a late consolation, but Nigeria held on to secure a place in the final.

Head coach Akeem Busari said psychological guidance and renewed confidence helped the players change their attitude after the opening defeat. Captain Harmony Chidi also described the prospect of winning the trophy as a moment that would never be forgotten.

The title adds to the Flamingos’ success at youth level. Before travelling to Morocco for the tournament, Nigeria won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire.

The team finished that competition with five wins from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.