2026 U-17 WWC: Flamingos make history, defeat Japan to win first-ever title

Nigeria's Flamingos have made history by winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat on Saturday night. The victory marks the first time an African nation has lifted the prestigious title. Japan started the encounter brightly, putting the Nigerian defence under pressure in the opening stages. However, Akeem Busari's side gradually grew into the game, as Olubebe Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru both missed promising opportunities to give Nigeria the lead. Umejiaku came close to breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute, but her header crashed against the crossbar. Nigeria eventually took the lead a minute later through Bashiru, whose long-range eff...