Nigeria’s Flamingos wrote a golden chapter in African football history on Saturday, defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to become the first African nation to lift the prestigious trophy.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Oluebube Umejiaku early in the second half (47th) secured the victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
Japan pulled one back late through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held firm to complete a remarkable tournament turnaround.
The triumph also makes Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The Flamingos further became the first team in the competition’s history to lose their opening match and still go on to claim the title, having recovered from a 2-1 group-stage defeat to Poland.
