Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by winning their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
The Nigerian youngsters produced a spirited performance at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, becoming the first African nation to win the women’s competition.
Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes after the restart to put the Flamingos firmly in control.
Japan fought back and reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, setting up a tense finish, but Nigeria held on to secure a historic victory.
The triumph marks a landmark achievement for Nigerian women’s football and ends the Flamingos’ long wait for the U-17 global crown after previous near misses.
It also makes Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.