Nigeria’s Flamingos win first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title

Nigeria’s Flamingos have won their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, Morocco, according to Premium Times, Channels Television and the Confederation of African Football. The victory makes Nigeria the first African country to win the competition. President Bola Tinubu called it a landmark achievement for African women’s football, while CAF described the result as Africa reaching the top of the world.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a long-range effort that Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki was unable to hold. Bashiru had also scored twice in Nigeria’s 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil. Nigeria doubled its lead two minutes after half-time.

Oluebube Umejiaku kept her composure to finish in the 47th minute, giving the Flamingos a 2-0 advantage and putting them within reach of a maiden world title. Japan, the 2014 champions and a team that had also finished runner-up in 2010 and 2016, responded in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito. The goal set up a tense closing period, but Nigeria defended its advantage through four minutes of added time.

The triumph completed a major recovery after Nigeria lost its opening match 2-1 to Poland. Coach Akeem Busari’s team then defeated Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR in the group stage, before overcoming Mexico in the round of 16, Venezuela in the quarter-finals and Brazil in the semi-finals. Nigeria’s previous best finish had been third at the 2022 tournament in India.

The win in Morocco is therefore both the country’s first title and its highest finish in the competition. Channels Television said Tinubu praised Bashiru and Umejiaku, the two scorers, and also commended the squad, coaching staff, Nigeria Football Federation and National Sports Commission. He said the result could inspire young Nigerian girls and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports.

Premium Times reported that FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe watched from the stands as the Flamingos secured the trophy. Japan’s defeat ended its attempt to win the tournament for a second time, while Nigeria’s victory ended Africa’s wait for the title.