Nigeria's Flamingos are world champions. Hakeem Busari's side beat Japan 2-1 in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Saturday, becoming the first African nation ever to win the tournament.

Awawu Bashiru broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, and Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead two minutes after the restart with a composed lob over the Japanese goalkeeper. Fuki Ito pulled one back for Japan in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on through a tense finish to lift the trophy.

The victory caps a remarkable turnaround. Nigeria lost their opening match 2-1 to Poland, then beat Puerto Rico and defeated holders Korea DPR 3-1 to reach the knockout rounds. It is Nigeria's first FIFA women's world title at any level, improving on the Flamingos' previous best of third place in 2022.

Umejiaku, scorer of the decisive second goal, was named player of the tournament and collected the Golden Ball. Nigeria are also the first country to have won the U-17 World Cup in both the men's and women's categories, after the Golden Eaglets' five titles. President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the victory as well deserved.