Credit : FIFA's X
RABAT, November 7, 2026 — Nigeria became the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday.
“Congratulations, Nigeria! The first African nation to win the #U17WWC. The Flamingos claimed their maiden title after beating Japan 2-1 in Rabat,” FIFA said on X.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute with an effort from distance that slipped through the hands of Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). It was Bashiru’s third goal of the tournament after her brace against Brazil in the semi-final.
Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead two minutes into the second half. Japan, the 2014 champions, pushed hard in the closing stages and Fuki Ito pulled a goal back in the 80th minute. Kanyinsola Yusuf was booked three minutes later as the closing stages grew tense, the NFF said, but Nigeria held on.
FIFA said both Bashiru and Umejiaku had started the tournament on the bench. Nigeria’s run began with a defeat by Poland, and FIFA noted that none of the previous nine winners had lifted the trophy after losing their opening game. The Flamingos then beat Puerto Rico, two-time reigning champions DPR Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil before the final.
“This was an awesome performance by the girls all through. They lost their first match narrowly to Poland but rose stoutly and with determination from that setback to win the six matches that followed and lift this prestigious trophy,” NFF acting general secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe watched the final, the NFF said. Coach Hakeem Busari, who referred to his players as ‘gladiators’ throughout the tournament according to FIFA, led a side that had beaten Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final, while Japan reached the final by beating DPR Korea on penalties.
The tournament also set scoring records. FIFA said 205 goals were scored across 52 matches, beating the previous record of 175 set in 2025, and the United States’ Maddie DiMaria won the Golden Boot with 12 goals, the most by any player at a FIFA women’s event.
The NFF said Nigeria are now the first African country to win the U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s competitions, after five titles in the men’s event. Their previous best in the women’s competition was third place in 2022.
Source: FIFA on X, November 8, 2026 (Malaysia time); FIFA tournament review; Nigeria Football Federation; Sportstar.
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