Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, defeated Japan 2-1 on Saturday to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

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‎Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 47th minute at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat. Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to win.

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‎The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, congratulated the team, describing the victory as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark for African women’s football.

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‎“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.

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‎The Flamingos made history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and the first African country to claim titles in both the men’s and women’s U-17 categories.

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‎They also became the first team in the competition’s history to lose their opening match and go on to win the title, having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage before winning six consecutive games.

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‎Musawa specially commended Umejiaku, who won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, and Bashiru for their decisive goals in the final, while applauding the entire squad for their teamwork and discipline.

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‎She said the victory reflects the creativity, courage and excellence that Nigerian youth bring to the world, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating, protecting and promoting the stories of young Nigerians who inspire the nation.

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‎“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” Musawa said.