Flamingos Make History by Winning U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday night in Rabat, Morocco. This victory marks the first time an African team has won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scored to give Nigeria the lead at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. Japan’s Fuki Ito scored late in the game, pulling one back in the 80th minute.

From the beginning, the Flamingos looked strong. They took six shots in the first half. Umejiaku had a chance in the 28th minute but could not finish after rounding the Japanese goalkeeper.

Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Her shot from outside the box went through Japan’s goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki’s hands, with Mary Dunstan providing the assist.

Just two minutes into the second half, Nigeria doubled their lead. Umejiaku made up for her earlier miss, calmly chipping the ball over Kadowaki in the 47th minute.

Japan, aiming for their second world title, fought back late in the match. Ito’s goal gave them hope, but the Flamingos defended well to secure their win.

Akeem Busari’s team lifted the trophy after a difficult start to the tournament. They lost 2-1 to Poland in their opening match.

After that loss, they bounced back, beating Puerto Rico. They also defeated reigning champions Korea DPR 3-1 to qualify as runners-up in their group. In the knockout stages, they overcame Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, beat Venezuela in the quarter-finals, and won against Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals.

Before the final, Flamingos captain Harmony Chidi shared her thoughts on the match. She said winning the trophy would be a moment to remember for Nigeria.

“Reaching the final is a very big thing; it’s a great thing, and it’s something that we have dreamed of. (Winning) would be something myself, my country, my teammates, our coaches, and everybody would be proud of,” she told FIFA.com.

In the third-place match, Korea DPR beat Brazil 6-0.