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Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Flamingos, have become World Champions after beating Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos, who broke the record as the first African side to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set a new record by winning the trophy.
Nigeria took an early lead despite missing plenty of chances in the first half against the fast-paced game played by Japan.
Awawu Bashiru scored Nigeria’s first goal in the 39th minute to put the Flamingos in front.
The second goal came in the 47th minute, when Oluebube Umejiaku chipped the ball to beat Japan goalkeeper Yamanaka.
Nigeria maintained the lead until around the 80th minute, when Japan scored to reduce Nigeria’s advantage.
Japan dominated the first half of the game but could not keep up in the second half as Nigeria took control.
The victory was achieved in the first-ever meeting between the two countries at this stage of global football.
Nigeria have now entered the history books as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The triumph caps a remarkable campaign for the Flamingos, who overcame the early pressure from Japan to hold on for a famous win.
Nigeria’s success marks a major milestone for African women’s football at youth level.
The Flamingos return home as world champions after making history in Morocco.
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Similary, North Korea destroyed Brazil 6-0 in the U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 third-place playoff in Rabat to claim the bronze medal.
Kim Won-Sim opened the scoring in the 12th minute to give North Korea an early lead.
North Korea doubled their advantage before half-time to go into the break leading 2-0.
Ui-Gyong Ri grabbed two goals as North Korea took complete control of the match.
Ri Ye-Rim, Yu Jong-hyang and Kyong-Im Ri also got on the scoresheet as North Korea added four more goals in the second half.
Brazil struggled to cope with North Korea’s high pressing and intensity throughout the match, particularly after half-time.
The South Americans offered little resistance as North Korea ran Brazil into the ground with sustained attacking pressure.
Brazil had reached the third-place playoff after losing 3-1 to Nigeria in the semi-finals.
Saturday’s defeat capped a difficult week for Brazil, who conceded nine goals across their final two matches of the tournament.
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