Nigeria’s Flamingos defeat Japan winning historic first U-17 women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos beat Japan 2-1 to win the U-17 Women’s World Cup, becoming the first African team to claim the title, Channels TV reports. Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute, finishing off an assist from Mary Dunstan, after Japan goalkeeper Kadowaki failed to hold a dropping ball. Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead in the 47th minute, set up by Esther Stephen. Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, converting a pass from Anri Ito, but Nigeria held firm through five minutes of added time.

The victory capped a campaign in which the Flamingos recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to win five consecutive matches. They beat Puerto Rico 2-0, defending champions North Korea 3-1, Mexico 2-1, Venezuela 1-0 and Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals. Head coach Akeem Busari said psychological guidance and renewed confidence helped change the players’ attitude. Before the tournament, they won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire.