Nigeria have been crowned U-17 Women’s World Champions after beating Japan 2-1 in the final in Morocco on Saturday, November 7, 2026, becoming the first African nation to win the coveted trophy.

The Flamingos, who lost 2-1 to Poland in their group opener, went on to record five straight wins, including back-to-back Group B victories over Puerto Rico and North Korea.

Nigeria then took down Mexico in the round of 16, edged Venezuela 1-0 in the quarterfinals and beat Brazil 3-1 in the semifinals, before an impressive 2-1 win over Japan in the final.

Awawu Bashiru put Nigeria ahead with a looping shot from a Mary Dunstan pass that slipped past Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead to 2-0 after receiving a long pass from Esther Stephen, controlling it with her left foot and lobbing the keeper.

Japan pulled one back when substitute Anri Ito headed a corner across the box for Fuki Ito to volley past Nigerian goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho.

Nigeria scored 11 goals and conceded five in the competition. Forward Oluebube Umejiaku was named the tournament’s best player, winning the Golden Ball.

By: Addy Kennedy Edem