Nigeria’s Flamingos became the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after they defeated Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. Shortly after the restart, Oluebube Umejiaku added a second goal in the 47th minute. Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, yet the Flamingos held firm until the final whistle.
Coach Akeem Busari’s side completed a strong tournament run. The team had earlier recovered from a 2-1 group-stage loss to Poland. They then recorded successive wins, including a 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil.
The result made Nigeria the first African nation to lift the women’s U-17 World Cup trophy. It also marked the first time an African country won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The Golden Eaglets had previously claimed the men’s title on multiple occasions. In addition, the Flamingos became the first team in the competition’s history to lose their opening match and still win the title.
The National Sports Commission led the congratulations. “This remarkable achievement marks a defining moment for Nigerian and African women’s football,” the Commission stated. It praised the team’s resilience and historic feat.
Before the final, National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade had charged the players. “Keep your eyes on the prize. You are on the verge of writing your names in history as the first African team to win a women’s World Cup at any level,” he said.
Flamingos captain Harmony Chidi had earlier told Nigerian fans that the team wanted to make the country proud. She added that lifting the trophy would “never be forgotten.”
The victory capped a remarkable campaign and delivered Nigeria’s first title at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
