In a final that will be talked about for generations, the U-17 girls defeated Japan 2-1 in Rabat, Morocco, to claim Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy, and the first ever won by an African nation.
It was a performance built on courage, discipline and belief. From the first whistle, Coach Akeem Busari’s side refused to allow Japan settle into their famed possession game.
The Flamingos pressed high, forced errors, and used pace and power down the wings to unsettle the Asian champions.
The breakthrough came through Awawu Bashiru, whose goal gave Nigeria a deserved halftime lead. Early in the second half, Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage, putting the Flamingos firmly in control at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé.
Japan, true to their pedigree, refused to fold. Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute to set up a tense finish, but Nigeria held firm, defending with heart, closing spaces, and seeing out the most important 10 minutes in the history of the team.
The triumph completes one of the great turnarounds in youth football. Nigeria began the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Poland. From there, they won six straight matches, beating Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil in the semi-final, and finally Japan.
The 3-1 semi-final win over Brazil, inspired by Queen Joseph and a brace from Bashiru, had already secured Nigeria’s first-ever appearance in the final. On Saturday night, they went one step further.
Japan had reached the final after a dramatic comeback against North Korea in the semi-final, winning on penalties. But they met a Nigerian side determined not to be denied
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, alongside the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, NFF Acting Secretary-General, Emmanuel Ikpeme, and CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, joined in presenting medals to the victorious teams at the stadium.
The NSC leadership described the achievement as a remarkable reflection of the talent, determination and fighting spirit of the young champions — a victory that has put Nigeria and Africa on top of the world at U-17 level.
Back home, the victory sparked wild celebrations and glowing tributes from the country’s sports leadership.
The Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, described the Flamingos’ victory as a deserving gift to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in recognition of his unwavering support for sports development in Nigeria.
Shaibu said the win was even more significant coming after the Super Falcons’ triumph at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and Team Nigeria’s impressive outings at the West African and Commonwealth Games.
He noted that the Flamingos had targeted playing seven matches in Morocco — and achieved it, losing one and winning six to lift the trophy.
“With world football administrators seated in the stadium, it was a compelling time once again to be proudly Nigerian,” Shaibu said.
He added that President Tinubu’s appreciation for hard work would make the achievement unforgettable for the players, and expressed confidence that the President would not disappoint on rewards, though he made no pronouncement on behalf of the Federal Government.
Shaibu congratulated the players, coaching crew, backroom staff, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission, urging Nigerians to emulate the team’s hard work, commitment and dedication.
He said the triumph would remain a reference point and inspiration for every Nigerian athlete who wears the green-white-green.
It was a moment of pride and celebration for Nigeria, for Africa, and for women’s football as this was more than a final. It was history made by a group of teenagers who refused to give up
