Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have won their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final.
The victory, recorded on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco, makes Nigeria the first African country to win the competition.
The Flamingos took the lead in the 39th minute through Awawu Bashiru, whose effort from distance slipped past Japan’s goalkeeper.
Nigeria doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 47th minute, putting the team firmly in control of the match.
Japan fought back in the closing stages, with Fuki Ito reducing the deficit in the 80th minute. However, the Nigerian side held on to secure the historic victory.
The triumph marks Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the competition, surpassing the team’s previous record of finishing third.
The Flamingos’ journey to the title included victories over several teams, including defending champions North Korea, Mexico and Venezuela. They also defeated Brazil in the semi-final to book their place in the final.
The victory is a major milestone for Nigerian women’s football and makes the Flamingos the first African team to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
