Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, have made history after defeating Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The victory, secured on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, gave Nigeria its first-ever title in the competition and made the country the first African nation to lift the trophy.

The Flamingos took the lead in the 39th minute when Awawu Bashiru found the back of the net with an effort from outside the penalty area.

Nigeria had threatened Japan’s goal several times before the breakthrough, with Bashiru and forward Oluebube Umejiaku creating opportunities as the team pressed for an opening goal.

The Nigerian side maintained its advantage until the interval and returned from the break determined to extend its lead.

Just two minutes into the second half, Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 47th minute after receiving a pass from Esther Stephen before lifting the ball over Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

The goal put the Flamingos in a commanding position, but Japan responded by increasing the pressure as the match progressed.

The Japanese side eventually reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who converted a chance created by Anri Ito to make it 2-1.

Japan pushed for an equaliser during the closing stages, but Nigeria remained organised defensively and held on through stoppage time to secure the historic victory.

Umejiaku was named Player of the Match for her performance, which included the decisive second goal.

The triumph marks a significant breakthrough for Nigerian women’s football, as the Flamingos had never previously reached the final of the competition.

Nigeria also became the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories. The country’s Golden Eaglets have won the men’s competition five times, in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

The Flamingos’ journey to the title was particularly remarkable, having started the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage.

They recovered from the setback to progress through the competition, defeating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals to book their place in the final against Japan.

Their victory over Japan completed an impressive turnaround and secured Nigeria’s first global title in the women’s U-17 category.

The achievement also represents the first time an African nation has won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the tournament was introduced in 2008.