Flamingos make history, beat Japan 2-1 to win 2026 World Cup
By Tosin Omojola
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, made history on Saturday night by defeating Japan 2-1 to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Hakeem Busari-tutored girls achieved the historic feat after overcoming their Asian opponents in the final, played at Pitch 3 of the Complexe Mohammed VI in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute when Japanese goalkeeper failed to deal with Awawu Badhiru’s long-range effort.
The Flamingos held on to their slender advantage until the end of the first half.
The Nigerian girls doubled their lead just two minutes after the restart through Oluebuve Umejiaku, who finished brilliantly to put her side firmly in control.
Japan pulled a goal back in the 80th minute, setting up a tense finish, but the Flamingos held their ground to preserve their lead until the final whistle.
The victory marks a historic milestone for Nigeria, making the country the first to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories.
