Flamingos win the 2026 Under-17 Women’s World Cup, making history after defeating Japan 2-1 in Rabat, Morocco, on November 7, 2026.
The victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win the prestigious women’s age-grade tournament since its inception.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku helped the Flamingos win the 2026 Under-17 Women’s World Cup, capping an outstanding campaign by the determined Nigerian youngsters.
The Flamingos started brightly, dominating possession and creating attacking opportunities against a disciplined Japanese side. However, Japan’s resilient defence initially frustrated Nigeria, preventing the African champions from finding an early breakthrough.
Nigeria eventually took the lead in the 38th minute through Bashiru, whose powerful effort from outside the penalty area troubled Japan’s goalkeeper. The Japanese goalkeeper failed to handle the attempt, allowing the ball to find its way into the net.
The goal rewarded Nigeria’s sustained attacking pressure and gave the Flamingos a deserved advantage heading into half-time.
Nigeria resumed the second half with renewed determination, doubling their lead just two minutes after the restart. Umejiaku produced a moment of brilliance, collecting a through ball before calmly lifting it over the advancing Japanese goalkeeper.
Her composed finish put Nigeria firmly in control, leaving Japan facing an uphill battle to rescue the final.
Japan refused to surrender, reducing the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito’s strike. The goal raised hopes of a dramatic comeback, but Nigeria remained resolute, defending their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory sparked celebrations among the Nigerian contingent at the Complexe Mohammed VI, where the historic final was decided.
Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the Flamingos for their remarkable performance. Ikpeme said the players showed exceptional character, recovering from an opening defeat to win their next six matches.
Ikpeme said:
“This was an awesome performance by the girls all through.
They lost their first match narrowly to Poland but rose stoutly and with determination from that setback to win the six matches that followed and lift this prestigious trophy.
“They are, indeed, fabulous Flamingos.”
Nigeria’s triumph as the Flamingos win the 2026 Under-17 Women’s World Cup represents a landmark achievement for African women’s football, establishing the Flamingos as the continent’s first champions of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has emerged as the standout individual performer at the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, winning the adidas Golden Ball after inspiring the Flamingos to their first-ever title.
The Nigerian forward received the award following the team’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco. Umejiaku scored Nigeria’s second goal in the final to take her tally to four goals in the tournament, capping an impressive campaign with the competition’s highest individual honour.
Her Golden Ball award also highlighted Nigeria’s success at the tournament, where the Flamingos secured their maiden Under-17 Women’s World Cup title.
DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang finished with the Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito received the Bronze Ball.
In the goalscoring category, United States forward Maddie DiMaria claimed the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 12 goals. Yu won the Silver Boot, while DPR Korea’s Ri Ui-gyong took the Bronze Boot.
DPR Korea also claimed the Golden Glove through goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong, while Japan received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.
The full list of individual award winners is as follows:
- Golden Ball: Oluebube Umejiaku (Nigeria)
- Silver Ball: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
- Bronze Ball: Fuki Ito (Japan)
- Golden Boot: Maddie DiMaria (United States)
- Silver Boot: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
- Bronze Boot: Ri Ui-gyong (DPR Korea)
- Golden Glove: Kim Son-gyong (DPR Korea)
- Fair Play Trophy: Japan
