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Nigeria’s Flamingos have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after securing an impressive 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
The Nigerian youngsters delivered a spirited performance to overcome their Japanese opponents, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku proving decisive in a historic encounter.
The Flamingos took the lead shortly before half-time through Bashiru, whose long-range effort found its way into the net following a costly goalkeeping error by Japan.
Nigeria carried their momentum into the second half and wasted little time extending their advantage. Just two minutes after the restart, Umejiaku found the back of the net in the 47th minute to make it 2-0 and put the West Africans firmly in control of the final.
Japan, however, refused to surrender without a fight. Fuki Ito reignited the contest in the 80th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and setting up a tense closing period.
With Japan pushing desperately for an equaliser, the final entered a dramatic phase as Nigeria battled to protect their advantage and keep their hopes of a historic triumph alive.
The victory represents a landmark achievement for Nigerian women’s football, with the Flamingos securing their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
Nigeria’s journey to the final was equally impressive. After suffering a 2-1 opening-day defeat to Poland, the team recovered strongly, recording a series of important victories against Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil.
Their 3-1 semi-final triumph over Brazil, inspired by Queen Joseph and a brace from Bashiru, secured Nigeria’s first appearance in the tournament’s final.
Japan, meanwhile, entered the championship decider after an extraordinary semi-final victory over North Korea, coming from behind to force a penalty shootout before advancing.
The final victory marks a defining moment for the Flamingos and a significant milestone for African women’s football.
