Nigeria Flamingos Win First U-17 Women's World Cup Title in Morocco

Nigeria's Flamingos won their first-ever FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup title by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final held in Morocco on Saturday, November 7. The victory made Nigeria the first African country to win the tournament.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute after receiving a pass from Mary Dunstan, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead at halftime. Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage to 2-0 in the 47th minute with a finish following a long pass from Esther Stephen.

“The victory also made Nigeria the first African country to win the tournament.”

Japan reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who scored after a pass from Anri Ito. Japan pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, with Mashiro Yamaji also coming close, but Nigeria held on until the final whistle.

Nigeria reached the final after a campaign that began with a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland. The team then beat Puerto Rico 2-0, defeated defending champions North Korea 3-1, won 2-1 against Mexico in the round of 16, edged Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals, and beat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals.

Queen Joseph scored and provided an assist in the semi-final victory over Brazil. Japan had reached its fourth U-17 Women's World Cup final after winning all group-stage matches without conceding a goal and overcoming Kenya, Ghana, and DPR Korea in the knockout rounds.