BREAKING : Flamingos of Nigeria Defeat Japan To Win Historic U-17 Women’s World Cup

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

The victory makes Nigeria the first African country to win the competition, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku securing the historic triumph.

Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute, capitalising on an assist from Mary Dunstan to give Nigeria the lead before the break.

The Flamingos doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Umejiaku found the net in the 47th minute following a brilliant pass from Esther Stephen.

Stephen delivered a long ball forward, which Umejiaku controlled with her left foot before lifting it over Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

Japan responded in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who converted a pass from Anri Ito to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The Japanese side pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Nigeria defended resolutely to preserve their advantage and secure the trophy.

Umejiaku and Kanyinsola Yusuf had opportunities to extend Nigeria’s lead, while Japan also threatened through Mashiro Yamaji. However, the Flamingos held on until the final whistle after five minutes of added time.

The triumph capped a remarkable turnaround for the Nigerian girls, who recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to win their next five matches and lift the trophy.

They bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1, ending the Asian side’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the tournament.

Nigeria subsequently defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16 before edging Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals, courtesy of Azeezat Oduntan’s 89th-minute penalty.

The Flamingos secured their first-ever appearance in the final with an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals.

Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, while Bashiru struck twice in the 71st and 80th minutes to seal Nigeria’s place in the final.

Head coach Akeem Busari had earlier credited psychological guidance and renewed confidence for the team's recovery following their opening defeat.

The world title adds to Nigeria’s impressive achievements at the age-grade level and follows their triumph at the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, where they recorded five victories in five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.

Saturday’s victory further establishes the Flamingos as champions of the world and marks a historic achievement for Nigerian and African women’s football.