Flamingos Make History as First African U-17 Women’s World Champions
Nigeria’s Flamingos have won the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 2–1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage shortly after half-time, before Fuki Ito pulled one back for Japan in the 80th minute. Nigeria protected the lead through the closing stages to secure the country’s first title in the competition.
The result made the Flamingos the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. FIFA also described Nigeria as the first African women’s national side to win a world title at any level. The Nigerian Football Federation said the victory means Nigeria has now won FIFA U-17 World Cups in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Nigeria’s campaign had begun with a defeat to Poland, but the team recovered with six consecutive wins. Their route to the trophy included victories over defending champions Korea DPR, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil before the final against Japan.
Umejiaku, who scored the winning goal, was named the tournament’s Golden Ball winner. The triumph marks a major milestone for Nigeria’s youth development system and for women’s football across Africa.
Sources
Featured image is a licensed illustrative football photograph and is not a documentary image of the final.
