Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday night.
The victory secured Nigeria’s first-ever title at the competition and made the country the first African nation to win the tournament.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku handed the West Africans a two-goal advantage at the Mohammed VI Football Complex before Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute. However, Nigeria held on to secure the historic victory.
The Flamingos dominated much of the opening half, recording six shots and creating several opportunities. Umejiaku came close to opening the scoring in the 28th minute after rounding Japan’s goalkeeper but failed to convert.
Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Bashiru unleashed a shot from outside the penalty area. The effort slipped through the hands of Japan’s goalkeeper, Kou Kadowaki, with Mary Dunstan providing the assist.
The Flamingos extended their advantage just two minutes into the second half. Umejiaku made up for her earlier miss by maintaining her composure to chip the advancing Kadowaki in the 47th minute.
Despite Japan’s late response, Nigeria maintained their lead to claim a landmark victory and deliver a historic achievement for African women’s football.
