Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a landmark 2-1 win over Japan in the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup final in Rabat on Saturday night, becoming the first African side to claim the global youth title.
Japan made the sharper opening and tested Nigeria’s back line early in the match. Akeem Busari’s team gradually established greater control, though Olubebe Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru both failed to convert early opportunities.
Umejiaku nearly opened the scoring in the 38th minute when her header struck the crossbar. Nigeria broke through a minute later as Bashiru fired home from distance, sending the Flamingos into the interval with a 1-0 lead.
Just two minutes after the restart, Umejiaku produced an impressive finish to extend Nigeria’s advantage and put the team in a commanding position.
Japan continued to press and reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, creating a nervy final stretch in Rabat. Nigeria, however, resisted the late pressure to protect the 2-1 result and deliver an unprecedented World Cup triumph for African women’s youth football.
