Nigeria have won their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after a stunning 2-1 victory over Japan in Morocco.
The Flamingos produced a breathtaking performance at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Saturday to dethrone the Asian giants and write their names in history.
Goals from Awau Bashiru and Olubebe Umejiaku sealed the triumph, as Fuki Ito’s late strike proved only a consolation for Japan.
Coach Akeem Busari’s side made history as the first team ever to win the title after losing their opening match of the tournament.
Nigeria had beaten Korea DPR and Brazil in the run-in before handing Japan a third final defeat to claim their maiden crown.
It was a massive improvement on their bronze medal finish at the 2022 tournament.
Bashiru broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when her speculative shot from the edge of the area slipped off the goalkeeper’s gloves and into the net for 1-0.
Umejiaku doubled the lead just two minutes into the second half, finishing with composure in the 47th minute to make it 2-0.
Ito pulled one back for Japan from a corner kick to set up a tense finish, but the Flamingos held on with courage and discipline to claim the victory and the title.
Nigeria are now world champions.
