Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history by defeating Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, securing the country’s first-ever title in the competition.

The historic victory was recorded on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, as Nigeria became the first African country to win the tournament.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute with a long-range effort that slipped through the hands of the Japanese goalkeeper.

The Flamingos doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku found the back of the net in the 47th minute to put Nigeria firmly in control.

Japan, however, refused to surrender, reducing the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute and mounting pressure in search of an equaliser.

Despite Japan's late push, the Nigerian girls held their ground to secure the historic 2-1 victory.

They also came close to extending their lead towards the end of the encounter, but their effort struck the crossbar from a corner kick.

The triumph capped an impressive turnaround for the Flamingos, whose campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group match.

Nigeria bounced back with a narrow victory over Puerto Rico before producing one of the tournament's biggest upsets by defeating defending champions, DPR Korea, 3-1.

The team subsequently recorded victories over Mexico and Venezuela before overcoming Brazil in the semi-finals to book their place in the final.

Their victory over Japan has now crowned an outstanding campaign with a historic world title, making the Flamingos the first Nigerian team to lift the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup trophy.