Nigeria’s Flamingoes win U-17 Women’s World Cup, beating Japan 2-1

Sports

By Linda Ikeji
8 November 2026, 7:56 am

Nigeria’s Flamingoes have made historical past in Rabat, Morocco, defeating Japan 2-1 to turn out to be the primary African nation to say the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title. The triumph comes 41 years after Nigeria’s male U-17 group, the Golden Eaglets, first gained the youth world championship in Beijing, China.

The closing noticed Nigeria overcome a rocky match begin—which included a gap 2-1 loss to Poland—to clinch the trophy in opposition to the previous champions. The Flamingoes drew first blood within the thirty ninth minute when Mary Dunstan delivered a protracted ball to Awawu Bashiru, who completed clinically to open the scoring.

Our Princesses are Champions of the World 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

We will always remember😭♥️

You women saved Nigeria from so many sporting failures within the final 4 years..

#WorldChampionsU17 #Flamingoes https://t.co/yHj9q5gqGH

— DEVOYCE (@devoyceofgod) November 7, 2026

Nigeria doubled their lead shortly after the second-half restart. In the forty seventh minute, Esther Stephen launched a protracted ball ahead to Oluebube Umejiaku, who deftly chipped the onrushing Japanese goalkeeper.

Japan pressed again and intensified the stress late within the match. In the eightieth minute, the Ito sisters mixed as Fuki transformed a move from Anri to slim the deficit to 2-1, establishing a tense end earlier than Nigeria efficiently defended their result in safe the worldwide title.

To attain the summit, Nigeria’s path included a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico, a 3-1 upset of defending champions North Korea within the group stage, a 2-1 victory over Mexico within the Round of 16, a lone-goal win in opposition to Venezuela within the quarterfinals, and a 3-1 semifinal victory over Brazil.

Japan, making their tenth look within the match, having gained the title in 2014 and completed as runners-up twice, superior to the ultimate after defeating Zambia, France, Venezuela, Kenya, Ghana, and penalty-shootout victors over North Korea.