Nigeria’s Flamingos have been crowned 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup champions after beating Japan 2-1 in the final, delivering the nation’s first title at the tournament.
Quick facts
- Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
- The final was played on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
- Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scored for the Flamingos.
- It is Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
The Flamingos turned in a composed display in Saturday’s showpiece at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco. Bashiru and Umejiaku supplied the goals that put Nigeria on course for the historic success.
Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead six minutes before half-time, striking from distance to beat Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.
Nigeria extended the margin two minutes after the restart. Umejiaku lifted a finish over the onrushing Kadowaki to make it 2-0.
Japan fought back and Ito Ffuki reduced the deficit in the 80th minute. The Flamingos, however, saw out the closing stages to seal a landmark 2-1 win.
The result represents a significant achievement for Nigerian women’s football. Nigeria had previously taken third place at the 2022 edition, but the Flamingos have now gone one step further by lifting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time.
