BREAKING: Nigeria beat Japan 2–1 to claim first-ever U-17 Women’s World Cup title

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time after defeating Japan 2–1 in the final in Morocco.

The Nigerian team secured the historic victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku handing them the title, while Fuki Ito scored Japan’s only goal.

Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute after her long-range effort from the edge of the penalty area slipped past the Japanese goalkeeper and found the back of the net.

The Flamingos doubled their advantage just two minutes after the restart, as Umejiaku produced a composed finish in the 47th minute to put Nigeria in a commanding position.

Japan fought back and reduced the deficit through Ito, who scored from a corner kick, but the Nigerian side held on despite late pressure from their opponents to seal a 2–1 victory.

The triumph represents a remarkable achievement for head coach Akeem Busari and his players, who became the first team to win the tournament after losing their opening match.

Nigeria recovered from that initial setback to defeat Korea DPR and Brazil on their way to the final, before overcoming Japan to lift the trophy.

The victory also marks Japan’s third defeat in a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.

For Nigeria, the title is an improvement on the bronze medal won by the Flamingos at the 2022 edition and a major milestone in the history of the country’s women’s football.