Last updated: 7 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Nigeria’s Flamingos are world champions. The Flamingos beat Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday 7 November 2026, to win the trophy for the first time and give Africa its first title at this level.
Japan pulled a goal back late on, but Nigeria held on to complete one of the great runs in the history of Nigerian women’s football.
Nigeria 2-1 Japan: the result
The final was played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat. Nigeria were the first African team to reach the final of the tournament, and they have now become the first African team to win it. The Flamingos led 2-0 and the 2-1 scoreline held at the final whistle.
Goalscorers
- Awawu Bashiru (Nigeria), 39th minute: opened the scoring with a long-range effort.
- Oluebube Umejiaku (Nigeria), 47th minute: doubled the lead with a cool finish just after the restart.
- Fuki Ito (Japan), 80th minute: pulled one back from a corner to set up a nervy finish.
Bashiru, who also scored twice in the semi-final win over Brazil, was again among the key figures for the Flamingos.
How the Flamingos got to the final
- Group stage: lost 2-1 to Poland in the opening match, then beat Puerto Rico 2-0.
- Group stage: beat two-time defending champions North Korea 3-1.
- Round of 16: beat Mexico 2-1.
- Quarter-final: beat Venezuela 1-0, with captain Azeezat Oduntan scoring a late penalty.
- Semi-final: beat Brazil 3-1, with goals from Queen Joseph and a double from Awawu Bashiru.
Nigeria lost their opening match and still won the title, a feat TVC News noted no team had managed before. Their previous best at the tournament was bronze in 2022 in India.
Japan’s run
Japan, champions in 2014 and coached by Sadayoshi Shirai, won all their group games without conceding, came from behind to beat Kenya 3-1 in the round of 16, beat Ghana in the quarter-finals, and then beat North Korea on penalties in the semi-final.
What it means for Nigeria
Coach Akeem Busari’s side have lifted Nigerian women’s youth football to a new level, going one step beyond the bronze medal won in 2022. Expect celebrations across the country and a hero’s welcome when the Flamingos return home.
This is a breaking report and will be updated with reactions and the homecoming. See our Sports News Today round-up for the build-up.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026?
Nigeria’s Flamingos won the 2026 final, beating Japan 2-1 in Rabat, Morocco.
Is this Nigeria’s first U-17 Women’s World Cup title?
Yes. Their previous best finish was bronze in 2022, and this is the first time an African team has won the tournament.
Who coaches the Flamingos?
Akeem Busari.
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