Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have beat Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Nigerian girls secured the historic victory in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, becoming champions of the competition for the first time.
The triumph also makes Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, capping a remarkable campaign by the team.
The Flamingos made history after overcoming Japan, who pulled one back to set up a tense finish, but the Nigerian side held on to secure the trophy.
Nigeria’s victory represents a remarkable turnaround after they began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage.
The team subsequently defeated Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil before overcoming Japan in the final.
Awawu Bashiru was among Nigeria’s standout performers at the tournament, having scored twice in the 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil.
The triumph marks a major milestone for Nigerian women’s football and makes the Flamingos the first African team to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
