Edi Umoh
Nigeria’s Flamingos won their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku’s goals gave Nigeria a two-goal advantage before Japan mounted a late challenge. Still, the Flamingos held on to secure a landmark victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
By this winning, Nigeria has become the first African country to win the U-17 Women’s World Cup, ending the continent’s long wait for the title and giving the Flamingos their best-ever finish in the competition.
Having lost their opening match to Poland, the Nigerian youngsters responded with a remarkable run of victories to reach the final. They completed that recovery in style by overcoming one of the tournament’s most successful teams.
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The Flamingos began the final with attacking intent, looking to unsettle a Japanese side that had conceded only twice on its way to the championship match.
Nigeria created several opportunities in the opening half. Oluwakemi Adegbuyi tried her luck in the 12th minute, while Umejiaku came close 12 minutes later after getting past the Japanese goalkeeper. However, a heavy touch allowed Japan to recover.
Bashiru also threatened in the 26th minute before Nigeria came agonisingly close to taking the lead when an effort struck the crossbar in the 37th minute.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 39th minute through Bashiru.
The midfielder unleashed a long-range effort that Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki failed to hold, allowing the ball to slip through her hands and into the net.
It was another important contribution from Bashiru, who had scored twice in Nigeria’s 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil.
The Flamingos carried their advantage into the break and needed only two minutes after the restart to extend it.
Umejiaku kept her composure to finish in the 47th minute, putting Nigeria 2-0 ahead and bringing the team closer to a historic title.
However, Japan, champions in 2014 and runners-up in 2010 and 2016, refused to surrender their hopes of a second title.
The Asian side increased the pressure as the match entered its closing stages and found a way back into the contest in the 80th minute.
Fuki Ito scored to reduce the deficit to 2-1, setting up a tense finish for the Nigerian team.
With four minutes added, the Flamingos were forced to defend their advantage against Japan’s late attempts to find an equaliser.
But Busari’s players held their ground until the final whistle, triggering celebrations as Nigeria secured the trophy.
Coach Akeem Busari’s side recovered with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR in the group stage before defeating Mexico in the Round of 16 and Venezuela in the quarter-finals.
Their 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil then secured Nigeria’s first appearance in the final.
The Flamingos had previously finished third at the 2022 edition in India, their best performance before this tournament.
Japan, meanwhile, had reached their fourth final, having won the competition in 2014. They will have to wait for another opportunity to add to that title.
For Nigeria, however, the wait is over. The Flamingos have not only claimed their maiden world crown but also delivered a breakthrough achievement for African women’s football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe were both in the stands to witness coach Akeem Busari-led Flamingos write a new chapter in women’s football.
