Nigeria’s Flamingos Make History with First U-17 Women’s World Cup Title
Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead early in the second half. Japan mounted a late challenge through Fuki Ito, but the Flamingos held on to secure their maiden world title and a landmark victory for African women’s football.
Umejiaku was named Player of the Match after scoring the decisive goal at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3.
Bashiru and Umejiaku Put Nigeria in Control
Nigeria started aggressively, with Bashiru and Umejiaku both creating early opportunities. Umejiaku also came close to scoring when her header struck the crossbar following a dangerous free-kick into the Japanese penalty area.
The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute. Bashiru sent a dropping effort towards goal, and Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki failed to hold it, allowing the ball to slip through her gloves and into the net.
The Flamingos extended their advantage just two minutes into the second half. Esther Stephen delivered a long pass forward, which Umejiaku controlled with her left foot before delicately lifting the ball over Kadowaki.
The goal gave Nigeria a two-goal cushion and put them firmly on course for the title.
Japan Fight Back, but Flamingos Hold Firm
Japan pushed for a response after conceding the second goal. Nigeria goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho miscued a clearance, allowing Wara Shimizu an opportunity, but her effort went over the crossbar.
Umejiaku continued to threaten at the other end, forcing Kadowaki into an excellent save with her foot after racing through on goal.
Japan eventually reduced the deficit with ten minutes remaining. Substitute Anri Ito headed a corner back across the Nigerian goal, allowing Fuki Ito to volley home in the 80th minute.
The late goal set up a tense finish, but Nigeria defended their advantage to claim the trophy.
Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai praised Nigeria’s strength and the effort of his own players, saying his team had fought until the final whistle despite struggling to contain the Flamingos’ speed and physical power.
Umejiaku said the team had relied on their coaches’ instructions and encouragement among themselves to overcome the challenge.
Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball After Historic Final
Umejiaku’s impact extended beyond the final. The Nigerian forward received the adidas Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding player after scoring four goals during the competition, including the decisive strike against Japan.
The other individual awards included:
- adidas Golden Ball: Oluebube Umejiaku – Nigeria
- adidas Silver Ball: Yu Jong-hyang – DPR Korea
- adidas Bronze Ball: Fuki Ito – Japan
- adidas Golden Boot: Maddie DiMaria – USA
- adidas Silver Boot: Yu Jong-hyang – DPR Korea
- adidas Bronze Boot: Ri Ui-gyong – DPR Korea
- adidas Golden Glove: Kim Son-gyong – DPR Korea
- FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Japan
USA forward Maddie DiMaria won the Golden Boot with a record 12 goals, despite her team’s quarter-final exit. Her tournament included six goals against Samoa and four against Kenya, followed by one each against China PR and Spain.
DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong received the Golden Glove after helping her team secure the bronze medal.
imaga credit FIFA
A Landmark Victory for Nigeria and African Football
The Flamingos’ 2-1 victory gives Nigeria its first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title and makes the country the first African winner of the competition.
The achievement is a major milestone for Nigerian women’s football and a historic moment for the continent. After overcoming Japan in the final, the Flamingos return as world champions, with Umejiaku’s performances recognised by both the Player of the Match award and the tournament’s Golden Ball.
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