Nigeria make history as first African Nation to win FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

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.