World Champions! Nigeria’s Flamingos Make History as First African Team to Win FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (Video)

• Nigeria’s Flamingos defeated Japan 2–1 to win their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, becoming the first African team to lift the trophy.

Nigeria’s Flamingos have won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time, defeating Japan 2–1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

The victory on November 7, 2026, also made Nigeria the first African nation to win the competition, marking a landmark achievement for women’s football on the continent.

Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scored Nigeria’s goals before Fuki Ito pulled one back for Japan, setting up a tense finish. The Flamingos held their advantage through the closing stages to secure the trophy.

Nigeria showed attacking intent early, with Bashiru and Umejiaku both threatening Japan’s goal. Umejiaku also struck the crossbar with a header after goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki failed to hold a delivery into the penalty area.

The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute. Bashiru sent a looping effort towards goal, and the ball slipped through Kadowaki’s gloves into the net.

Nigeria doubled their lead two minutes after the interval through a composed finish from Umejiaku. Racing onto Esther Stephen’s long pass, she controlled the ball before lifting it over the Japanese goalkeeper.

Umejiaku later threatened to extend the advantage, but Kadowaki blocked her effort with her foot.

Japan reduced the deficit in the 80th minute when substitute Anri Ito headed a corner back across goal for Fuki Ito to volley home. Nigeria resisted the late pressure, with Umejiaku earning the final’s Player of the Match award.

The Flamingos’ knockout campaign included a 2–1 victory over Mexico in the round of 16, followed by a 1–0 quarter-final win against Venezuela. They then defeated Brazil 3–1 to reach the championship match.

Umejiaku’s success extended beyond the final. She also won the tournament’s Golden Ball, awarded to its best player, after helping Nigeria secure the title.

The United States’ Maddie DiMaria won the Golden Boot with 12 goals, while DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong received the Golden Glove. Japan took home the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.

Watch video highlight below:

Nigeria’s Flamingos make history as the first African Nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 🇳🇬🏆….

Congratulations Nigeria, Congratulations @officialABAT 👏🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/u9kmvuLhuA— Àkànní (@idofoi) November 7, 2026