HISTORY MADE! FLAMINGOS CROWNED WORLD CHAMPIONS AFTER STUNNING 2-1 VICTORY OVER JAPAN

Nigeria’s Flamingos have been crowned 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup champions after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco, securing the country’s first-ever title in the competition.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring shortly before half-time with a long-range effort that slipped past the Japanese goalkeeper following a costly error.

Nigeria doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku found the net in the 47th minute to put the Flamingos firmly in control.

Japan mounted a late challenge through Fuki Ito, who reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian youngsters held on to secure a historic victory.

The triumph marks a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African women’s football. The Flamingos recovered from an opening-day defeat to Poland, defeated several strong opponents and sealed their first-ever final appearance with a 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil.