Nigeria wins FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time, stuns Japan in final

Nigeria scored a goal in each half to pull off a historic victory in the final of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Awawu Bashiru came to the fore once again as Nigeria beat Japan 2-1 to win its first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday.

Bashiru, who had netted a brace against Brazil in the semifinal, opened the scoring in the 39th minute, converting from a pass by Mary Dunstan. The Flamingoes doubled the lead two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku finished Esther Stephen’s move, putting the West Africans firmly in control.

A special moment. ✨ #U17WWC https://t.co/nKuGBNljSG

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) November 8, 2026

Japan, the 2014 champion and a four-time finalist, refused to give up and mounted pressure in the final quarter. It was rewarded in the 80th minute when Anri Ito set up Fuki Ito in the final third.

The last 10 minutes of the match proved to be nerve-wracking as the Asian heavyweight continued to attack, only for Nigeria to maintain a compact defence. But the Flamingoes stayed put to ensure a historic result for Nigeria and all of Africa.

Their best result previously was a third-place finish in the 2022 edition in India, when it beat Germany 3-2 on penalties.