RABAT, Morocco — Nigeria’s under-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, created African football history on Saturday by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to claim the country’s first FIFA world title at women’s level and the first by any African women’s side.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the landmark victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat. Japan pulled one back late through Fuki Ito, but the young Nigerians held firm to lift the trophy.
Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Shortly after the restart, Umejiaku doubled the lead in the 47th minute with a composed finish. Japan reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but Nigeria’s defence and goalkeeping proved solid enough to see out the win.
The triumph makes Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2008. It also means Nigeria is the first African country to win the under-17 World Cup in both the men’s (Golden Eaglets) and women’s categories. The men’s side has previously lifted the trophy five times (1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015).
Head coach Hakeem Busari’s side showed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament. After an opening-group loss, the Flamingos reeled off a series of victories, including a notable win over holders DPR Korea and a 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil that made them the first African team to reach the final.
Umejiaku was later named the tournament’s outstanding player, collecting the Golden Ball after a strong campaign that included the decisive goal in the final.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated the team, describing the victory as “well deserved” and highlighting its historic significance for African women’s football.
The result comes as a major boost for Nigerian women’s football. While the senior Super Falcons remain the dominant force in Africa with a record number of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles, they have never won the senior FIFA Women’s World Cup (their best finish remains the quarter-finals in 1999) and recently missed qualification for the 2027 edition in Brazil. The Flamingos’ success provides a clear pathway and inspiration for the next generation.
Celebrations erupted across Nigeria as news of the final whistle spread. The young players become the first Nigerian women’s national team at any age group to be crowned world champions.
This is a genuine, current achievement. A story claiming the senior Super Falcons have won the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be inaccurate, as that has not occurred.
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