Nigeria's Flamingos Win First U-17 Women's World Cup Title

Nigeria's Flamingos have won their first FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday's final. The Flamingos became the first African team to win the competition, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku securing the historic victory.

Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute, finishing off an assist from Mary Dunstan to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead at half-time. The Flamingos midfielder sent a dropping ball towards goal, and Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki failed to hold it as it slipped through her gloves and into the net.

Umejiaku doubled the advantage just two minutes into the second half, scoring in the 47th minute after being set up by Esther Stephen. Esther Stephen sent a long, raking pass upfield, which Umejiaku chased down and controlled with her left foot before delicately lifting the ball over Kadowaki.

Japan fought back and reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who converted a pass from Anri Ito to make it 2-1. The goal set up a tense final 15 minutes, with Japan pushing for an equaliser while Nigeria sought to protect their advantage.

Kanyinsola Yusuf was booked in the 83rd minute, while the Flamingos continued to threaten through attempts from Umejiaku and Yusuf. Japan also had a late effort through Mashiro Yamaji, but Nigeria held firm. Umejiaku was flagged offside in the 94th minute before the referee brought the match to an end after five minutes of added time.

The victory over Japan capped a remarkable campaign for the Flamingos, who recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to win five consecutive matches on their way to the final. The Nigerian side responded to the setback with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before producing one of the tournament's biggest surprises by defeating defending champions North Korea 3-1. The result ended North Korea's 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition.

They followed up with a 2-1 win over Mexico in the Round of 16, with Oluebube Umejiaku and Mary Dunstan scoring to send Nigeria into the quarter-finals. Azeezat Oduntan then converted a late penalty in the 89th minute to secure a 1-0 victory over Venezuela and a place in the semi-finals. The Flamingos sealed their first-ever appearance in the final with a 3-1 victory over Brazil. Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Awawu Bashiru scored twice, in the 71st and 80th minutes, to put Nigeria in control. Brazil managed a late consolation, but it was not enough to stop the Nigerian side from reaching the title decider.

The team's response to the opening defeat was also highlighted by head coach Akeem Busari, who said psychological guidance and renewed confidence helped change the players' attitude and approach. Captain Harmony Chidi, meanwhile, described the prospect of winning the trophy as a moment that would never be forgotten.

The triumph is another landmark for a team that had already established itself as one of Africa's leading sides at the age-grade level. Before travelling to Morocco, the Flamingos won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d'Ivoire, recording five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.

Nigeria's Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after helping the Flamingos win their maiden title in the competition. The 16-year-old forward won the Golden Ball award following her impressive performances at the tournament, where she scored three goals and provided two assists.

Umejiaku also scored Nigeria's second goal in their 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday's final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco. She played a key role in the Flamingos' campaign, contributing to goals in all seven of Nigeria's matches as the team recovered from an opening defeat to Poland to win the tournament. Her contributions included goals against Poland, DPR Korea and Mexico, while she also provided assists against Puerto Rico and Brazil. She additionally won a penalty in Nigeria's quarter-final victory over Venezuela.

The Golden Ball recognition capped a remarkable tournament for the forward, who plays for Heartland Queens.

Nigeria thereby became the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and the first to claim titles in both the men's and women's U-17 categories.

Meanwhile, United States forward Maddie DiMaria won the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament's leading scorer with 12 goals.

Sources

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