By Sabiu Abdullahi
Nigeria’s Flamingos have won their first-ever FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Morocco on Saturday.
The Nigerian side secured the historic victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex through goals from Awau Bashiru and Olubebe Umejiaku, while Fuki Ito scored Japan’s only goal.
Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a long-range effort from the edge of the penalty area that slipped through the goalkeeper’s gloves and into the net.
Umejiaku extended Nigeria’s advantage just 2 minutes into the second half, calmly finishing to make it 2-0.
Japan reduced the deficit through Ito, who scored following a corner kick, but the Flamingos held on to secure the win and lift the trophy.
The victory came after Nigeria overcame Korea DPR and Brazil in the knockout stages before defeating Japan, who have now lost 3 finals in the competition.
Akeem Busari’s team also made history as the first side to win the tournament after losing their opening match.
The triumph marks a major improvement on Nigeria’s previous best performance, a bronze medal finish at the 2022 edition of the competition.