Nigeria’s Flamingos beat Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday night to claim their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title and become the first African team crowned world champions at the tournament.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku put the West Africans ahead at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. They held on after Fuki Ito pulled one back for the Little Nadeshiko in the 80th minute.
The Flamingos were the stronger side from the start, registering six first-half shots. Umejiaku rounded the Japanese goalkeeper in the 28th minute but was unable to finish.
Bashiru broke the deadlock in the 39th minute with a shot from outside the box that slipped through the hands of Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki. Mary Dunstan provided the assist.
Nigeria doubled its lead just two minutes into the second half. Umejiaku made up for her earlier miss, keeping her composure to confidently chip Kadowaki in the 47th minute.
Japan, chasing a second world title, responded late when Ito scored, but the Flamingos defended resolutely to secure the historic victory.
Akeem Busari’s side lifted the trophy after a campaign that began poorly with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.
They beat Puerto Rico, then defeated defending champions Korea DPR 3-1 to qualify as group runners-up. They went on to beat Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, overcome Venezuela in the quarter-finals and defeat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Nigeria star forward Oluebube Umejiaku was awarded the prestigious adidas Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Umejiaku scored Nigeria’s decisive second goal in the final, bringing her tournament total to four goals. DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang was named the Silver Ball winner, while Japan’s Fuki Ito took home the Bronze Ball.
