Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Golden Ball winner Oluebube Umejiaku in Rabat make Nigeria the first African champions of the under-17 women's tournament.

Published 8 Nov 2026, 06:42 GMT

2 min read

Nigeria's players celebrate winning the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco — Nigeria celebrate becoming the first African winners of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Rabat, Morocco

Listen to this article

Playback position

0:001:54

Playback speed

Nigeria beat Japan 2-1 in Rabat on Saturday, November 7, to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and become the first African nation to lift the trophy.

Forward Oluebube Umejiaku scored the decisive second-half goal at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco and won the tournament's Golden Ball as the best player.

Awawu Bashiru put the Flamingos ahead in the 39th minute from a Mary Dunstan pass, sending a looping effort that slipped through the gloves of Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki and dropped into the net.

Umejiaku doubled Nigeria's advantage in the 47th minute when she ran onto a long pass from Esther Stephen, controlled the ball with her left foot and lifted a lob over Kadowaki.

Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai's side pulled a goal back in the 80th minute after substitute Anri Ito headed a corner back across the box for Fuki Ito to volley past Nigerian goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho.

No African country had won the global under-17 women's tournament since its inception in 2008. Nigeria's previous best finish was third place in 2022.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

Nigeria beat Japan 2-1 to win historic first FIFA U-17 Women&#39;s World Cup title

Suggested for you

More Stories

Liverpool return to winning ways with 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace

Sunderland beat Chelsea 1-0 to escape Premier League bottom

Bagbin Promises Online Access to Ghana Parliament Records for Journalists by Year-End

Foreign Affairs Ministry refers 2 interdicted officers to police over illegal passport scheme

95% of Ghanaian nurses &amp; midwives say their salaries are insufficient – UPNMG Study

64% of nurses and midwives have considered leaving the profession – UPNMG Study

Discussion

Nigeria beat Japan 2-1 to win historic first FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title

95% of Ghanaian nurses & midwives say their salaries are insufficient – UPNMG Study