Nigeria’s Flamingoes win U-17 Women’s World Cup, beating Japan 2-1

Nigeria’s Flamingoes have made history in Rabat, Morocco, defeating Japan 2-1 to become the first African nation to claim the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title. The triumph comes 41 years after Nigeria’s male U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, first won the youth world championship in Beijing, China.

The final saw Nigeria overcome a rocky tournament start—which included an opening 2-1 loss to Poland—to clinch the trophy against the former champions. The Flamingoes drew first blood in the 39th minute when Mary Dunstan delivered a long ball to Awawu Bashiru, who finished clinically to open the scoring.

Nigeria doubled their lead shortly after the second-half restart. In the 47th minute, Esther Stephen launched a long ball forward to Oluebube Umejiaku, who deftly chipped the onrushing Japanese goalkeeper.

Japan pressed back and intensified the pressure late in the match. In the 80th minute, the Ito sisters combined as Fuki converted a pass from Anri to narrow the deficit to 2-1, setting up a tense finish before Nigeria successfully defended their lead to secure the global title.

To reach the summit, Nigeria’s path included a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico, a 3-1 upset of defending champions North Korea in the group stage, a 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16, a lone-goal win against Venezuela in the quarterfinals, and a 3-1 semifinal victory over Brazil. 

Japan, making their tenth appearance in the tournament, having won the title in 2014 and finished as runners-up twice, advanced to the final after defeating Zambia, France, Venezuela, Kenya, Ghana, and penalty-shootout victors over North Korea.