Nigeria have made history by winning their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco, becoming the first African nation to lift the trophy.
The U-17 side took the lead in the 39th minute through Awawu Bashiru, who converted a pass from Mary Dunstan before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 47th minute following a move initiated by Esther Stephen.
Japan fought back and reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, setting up a tense finish.
However, Nigeria’s defence held firm under late pressure to secure the historic victory.
The triumph marks a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African women’s football, with Nigeria becoming the first African country to win the global U-17 women’s competition.
Meanwhile, North Korea defeated Brazil 6-0 to claim the bronze medal.
Award winners
Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the recipient of the adidas Golden Ball at the tournament following her outstanding performances.
The forward was instrumental in Nigeria’s historic triumph, scoring the winning goal in their 2-1 victory over Japan in the final. It was her fourth goal of the competition.
Despite the United States’ quarter-final exit, Maddie DiMaria claimed the adidas Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with a record 12 goals.
DiMaria scored six goals against Samoa, four against Kenya and one each against China PR and Spain.
DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong won the adidas Golden Glove after helping her country secure the bronze medal while Japan’s Fuki Ito was awarded the adidas Bronze Ball for her impressive performances at the tournament.
Nigeria's results from the opening match to the final:
Nigeria 1–2 Poland
Nigeria 2–0 Puerto Rico
Nigeria 3–1 North Korea
Nigeria 2–1 Mexico
Nigeria 1–0 Venezuela
Nigeria 3–1 Brazil
Nigeria 2-1 Japan
Related Article: FIFA U-17 WWC: Nigeria’s Flamingos overcome Brazil to set up final against Japan
How it feels like to be #U17WWC Champions. 🏆 https://t.co/YjuMlliBPr
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) November 7, 2026
