Nigeria made history by becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday evening’s final in Rabat.
The victory also made Nigeria the first country from Africa to win the FIFA U17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s competitions. The country’s male team had previously lifted the trophy in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
The Flamingos are also the first African women’s national team to win a FIFA World Cup title.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute with her third goal of the tournament, following her two-goal performance against Brazil in the semi-final. Her long-range effort proved too powerful for Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki, who was unable to hold the ball as it found its way into the net.
Nigeria had made the more purposeful start, but Japan resisted the early pressure and prevented the African side from creating a clear opening. Bashiru’s strike finally gave the Flamingos the lead as the first half drew to a close.
Nigeria doubled their advantage only two minutes after the restart. Oluebube Umejiaku finished in the 47th minute to give her side a commanding position and leave Japan facing a two-goal deficit.
The Flamingos remained disciplined and restricted Japan’s opportunities as the final entered its last 30 minutes. Japan continued to compete and were rewarded in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito reduced the deficit to 2-1.
Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Yusuf was booked three minutes later, but the Flamingos withstood the late pressure to secure the championship under head coach Hakeem Busari.
Queen Joseph, whose goal helped begin Nigeria’s semi-final victory over Brazil three days earlier, Bashiru, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Yusuf and Umejiaku were praised for their determination and work across the pitch.
The final was watched by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and former FIFA Council Member and two-term NFF President Amaju Melvin Pinnick. Pinnick was in office when Nigeria last won the men’s FIFA U17 World Cup.
A Federal Government delegation attended the match, led by National Sports Commission chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko. It also included the commission’s director general, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller-General Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu.
Acting NFF General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme said after the final whistle at the Complexe Mohammed VI: “This was an awesome performance by the girls all through. They lost their first match narrowly to Poland but rose stoutly and with determination from that setback to win the six matches that followed and lift this prestigious trophy. They are, indeed, fabulous Flamingos.”