Nigeria have etched their name into football history after becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 2-1 in a thrilling final in Morocco on Saturday.
The Flamingos delivered a memorable performance to claim their first-ever title, ending Africa’s long wait for a winner in the global competition.
Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Awawu Bashiru finished off a pass from Mary Dunstan to give her side a deserved lead.
They returned from the break with renewed intensity and doubled their advantage in the 47th minute through Oluebube Umejiaku, who capitalised on a move created by Esther Stephen.
Japan refused to surrender and reignited the contest in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito scored to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The closing stages proved tense as Japan pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Nigeria’s defence stood firm to preserve the lead and secure a historic triumph.
The victory marks a major breakthrough for African women’s football, with Nigeria becoming the continent’s first champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Elsewhere, North Korea secured third place after overwhelming Brazil 6-0 in the bronze-medal match.
Individual honours
Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku capped her impressive tournament with the adidas Golden Ball award.
The forward was instrumental in the Flamingos’ title-winning campaign, scoring four goals, including the decisive strike against Japan in the final.
Maddie DiMaria of the United States won the adidas Golden Boot despite her country’s quarter-final elimination. She finished as the competition’s top scorer with a record 12 goals.
Her tally included six goals against Samoa, four against Kenya, and one each against China PR and Spain.
DPR Korea’s Kim Son-gyong received the adidas Golden Glove, while Japan’s Fuki Ito claimed the adidas Bronze Ball in recognition of her performances.
