Nigeria have made history in Morocco with a fine win in Rabat.
On Saturday 7 November, 2026, the Flamingos of Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup at Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
This beautiful outcome means Nigeria has now clinched the title for the first time in its history in the age category. It also means Nigeria is the first African country to reach this level.
The Flamingos were stern and determined against the Japanese as they fought really hard to emerge victorious and lift the trophy in Rabat, the Moroccan Capital.
Awawu Bashiru netted first to open the scoring for Nigeria with an assist from Mary Dunstan; and just two (2) minutes inside them second half, the Nigerians shocked Japan with the second from Oluebube Umejiaku.
Umejiaku made sure to convert a move started by Esther Stephen to make it 2-0 for the African side.
With two (2) goals in front, the Flamingos followed up what is left of the game with all calmness, however, Japan continued to fight to come back into the contest.
The strength the Japanese heightened into the remainder of the showdown paid off late, in the 80th minute, when Fuki Ito was located by Anri Ito’s pass to pull one back for the Asian side.
Fuki Ito actually narrowed the deficit for Japan, however, it was not enough to bring the Little Nadeshiko back into the clash as the Nigerians held on and finished winners.
The final minutes were especially intense with Japan pushing really hard to find the leveller, but, the defense of the Flamingos was firmly rooted on the ground until the final whistle.
With the 2-1 victory over Japan, the Flamingos bring glory to the country and Africa as a whole, winning the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time ever.
Nigeria are #U17WWC 2026 Champions! 🏆 🇳🇬 https://t.co/TWfyplWyxX
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) November 7, 2026
A big winner at the competition was Nigeria’s goalscorer at the final, Oluebube Umejiaku. She won the Player Of The Match (POTM) and Most Valuable Player (MVP) Of The Tournament awards.
🥂🎊🎉🎉🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🦅🦅🦅🦅 https://t.co/o6x8Rt001V
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) November 7, 2026
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