FIFA president Gianni Infantino has praised Nigeria’s Flamingos following their remarkable achievement at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, describing their victory over Japan in the final as deserved.
The Nigerian team secured a 2-1 win in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat, Morocco, to become the first African nation to lift the U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy and win a FIFA women’s title at any level.
“Congratulations to Nigeria, world champion U-17 Women’s World Cup of FIFA here in Rabat. First African team to ever win a (FIFA) Women’s U-17 World Cup — so many congratulations to Nigeria. Well-deserved in the final,” Infantino said shortly after the trophy presentation.
The Flamingos bounced back from their opening-match defeat to Poland by winning their next six games, including a notable group-stage victory over defending champions DPR Korea, before completing their impressive campaign with the title.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the final, while Oluebube Umejiaku netted the decisive goal two minutes after the restart. Japan pulled one back in the 80th minute but could not find an equaliser.
Umejiaku finished the competition with four goals and was rewarded with the Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding player.
Japan, who reached the final for the fourth time, finished with the silver medal, while DPR Korea secured bronze after recording a convincing 6-0 victory over Brazil in the third-place match.
Infantino also acknowledged the achievements of the two other medal-winning teams, congratulating Japan on their run to the final and DPR Korea for finishing third.
“Congratulations to Japan as well — great tournament, silver medal. And DPR Korea, bronze medallists at this beautiful (FIFA) Women’s U-17 World Cup,” he added.
Nigeria’s victory also represented a significant moment in international football, as the final was the first time an African team had faced an Asian opponent in a FIFA tournament final.
The 2026 competition was the second edition to feature 24 teams, with Morocco serving as host as FIFA continues its plan to stage the tournament annually until 2029.
Infantino rounded off his remarks by commending Morocco for providing an impressive setting for the competition, highlighting the country's facilities and organisation.
“Congratulations, mabrouk, as well to Morocco — beautiful, fantastic, wonderful hosts in these facilities here in Rabat. That’s where we are, at home. Thank you very much,” he said.