Nigeria has made history after the **Flamingos defeated Japan 2–1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup**, becoming the first African country to lift the trophy, as First Lady Oluremi Tinubu joined millions of Nigerians celebrating the victory.
The historic triumph came on Saturday, 7 November, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, where Nigeria’s young players overcame a late Japanese fightback to secure their first world title in the competition.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku gave Nigeria a two-goal lead before Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the closing stages.
The victory marked a milestone for Nigerian and African women’s football, ending years of attempts to win the competition since its introduction in 2008.
## How Nigeria defeated Japan
The Flamingos entered the final determined to complete a remarkable comeback after losing their opening group match against Poland.
Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Awawu Bashiru converted a pass from Mary Dunstan to put the African side ahead.
Just two minutes into the second half, Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage, finishing a move started by Esther Stephen.
Japan, who had previously won the competition in 2014, refused to surrender.
Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito scored following a pass from Anri Ito, reducing Nigeria’s advantage to 2–1.
The Japanese team increased the pressure in search of an equaliser, but Nigeria defended their lead through five minutes of added time to secure the trophy.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was captured in a video celebrating and encouraging the Flamingos as they battled Japan in the final.
According to footage reported by Punch Newspapers and credited to the Nigerian Television Authority, the First Lady watched the match from her residence, applauding the players and cheering as the contest unfolded.
She was heard chanting **”Nigeria! Nigeria!”** while supporting the young footballers.
Her reaction reflected the excitement surrounding a victory that placed Nigeria at the forefront of African women’s youth football.
From opening defeat to world champions
Nigeria’s route to the title was far from straightforward.
The Flamingos began their campaign with a 2–1 defeat to Poland before recovering to defeat Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea in the group stage.
They subsequently eliminated Mexico in the round of 16 and Venezuela in the quarter-finals.
Their impressive 3–1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals secured Nigeria’s first appearance in the final of the competition.
Coach Akeem Busari’s players then completed their campaign by overcoming Japan, turning an uncertain beginning into a historic achievement.
The triumph also made Nigeria the first country to win the competition after losing its opening match.
What the victory means for Nigeria and Africa
Nigeria’s success carries significance beyond the final score.
Before Saturday’s match, no African nation had won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos have now become the first African champions, adding another achievement to Nigeria’s international football history.
Nigeria had previously won the men’s FIFA U-17 World Cup five times, but the women’s title had remained beyond its reach.
The latest victory makes Nigeria the first African country to win world titles in both competitions.
For young female footballers across Nigeria, the achievement provides a new example of what is possible through talent, preparation and determination.
It also raises expectations for greater investment in grassroots women’s football, coaching, training facilities and opportunities for young players to develop their careers.
The Flamingos’ triumph gives Nigeria a reason to celebrate and places the next generation of female footballers firmly in the international spotlight.
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