Cabfix Ladies goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie made a positive return to club football after representing Ghana at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, keeping a clean sheet in her side’s 2-0 victory over Ideal Ladies in the GARFA Women’s Division One League.

The young goalkeeper delivered a composed performance between the posts, helping Cabfix Ladies secure all three points in their opening league fixture of the 2026/27 season.

The clean sheet comes after Belinda’s involvement with Ghana’s Black Maidens at the World Cup in Morocco, where she also produced an impressive performance against Canada.

Speaking after the game, Belinda expressed her delight at keeping her first clean sheet of the new campaign and hoped to maintain the record throughout the season.

She, however, credited her defensive teammates for their contribution, explaining that communication and coordination with the defenders played an important role in achieving the result.

The goalkeeper also used the opportunity to appreciate the fans for their continued support, acknowledging their encouragement as she settles back into club football.

With a clean sheet already secured in her first outing, Belinda will be hoping to build on the performance as Cabfix Ladies prepare for their next assignment against Sissamba Ladies at home.

Nigeria’s Flamingos have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

The victory marks a historic milestone for Nigerian and African women’s football, with the Flamingos becoming the first African nation to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

Nigeria took control of the final shortly before half-time when Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 38th minute, giving the West Africans a 1-0 advantage at the break.

The Flamingos wasted little time extending their lead after the restart, with Oluebube Umejiaku finding the back of the net early in the second half to make it 2-0.

Japan, however, refused to give up and pulled a goal back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, setting up a tense finish.

Despite Japan’s late push, Nigeria held on to secure a memorable 2-1 victory and write their names into the history books.

The triumph represents Nigeria’s first title at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and makes them the first African country to win the competition.

It is also a landmark achievement for the continent, which had never previously produced a champion in the tournament.

The Flamingos’ victory brings a remarkable end to their 2026 campaign and establishes Nigeria as the new world champions at the U-17 level.

Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final in Morocco.

The Nigerian side produced a strong second-half performance to secure their place in the final, with Queen Joseph opening the scoring before Awawu Bashiru netted twice to complete the victory.

After a goalless first half, Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, capitalising on a rebound after Oluwakemi Adegbuyi’s effort was blocked.

Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 71st minute with a fine finish over the Brazilian goalkeeper before completing her brace in the 80th minute following a well-worked team move.

Brazil pulled one back through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but the Flamingos held on to secure a historic 3-1 victory.

The achievement marks a major milestone for Nigerian women’s youth football. Although Nigeria previously reached the semi-finals in 2022 in India, where they defeated Germany on penalties to claim bronze, this is the first time the country has progressed to the final.

Nigeria’s achievement also represents a historic moment for Africa. Ghana previously reached the semi-finals in 2012, becoming the first African nation to win a medal at the competition after securing bronze. Nigeria followed with another bronze-medal finish in 2022. However, no African team had reached the final until now.

The Flamingos will now face Japan in the final after the Asian side defeated defending champions DPR Korea 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their semi-final encounter.

Nigeria will be aiming to go one step further and become the first African nation to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy when the two sides meet in the final.

Ghana’s Black Maidens have returned home following their quarter-final appearance at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The team arrived in Ghana on Monday after an impressive campaign that saw them reach the last eight. They defeated Argentina 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 16 before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Japan in the quarter-finals.

President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, welcomed the team in Accra on Monday, congratulating the players and technical staff for their efforts and commitment throughout the tournament.

He praised the team’s discipline, resilience and fighting spirit, while commending head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa and his technical staff for guiding the side to the quarter-finals despite injury and suspension setbacks.

President Simeon-Okraku assured the team of the Association’s continued support and commitment to developing women’s youth football.

The campaign also featured notable performances from Jessica Appiah Asamoah, Cynthia Obinsrewuo, Seidatu Wahab, Rafia Osman, Gloria Adomako Ameaa and goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie, whose contributions helped Ghana make a strong impression on the world stage.