By Daily Review Online
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have made history by winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.
The victory makes Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, adding another remarkable milestone to the country’s football history.
The Flamingos also became the first African team to reach the final of the competition before going on to claim the ultimate prize.
Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute through Awawu Bashiru, who capitalised on a scoring opportunity to put the West Africans ahead after an opening period dominated largely by Japan.
Despite Japan’s impressive ball possession and attacking pressure in the first half, Nigeria’s defence remained resolute, while the Flamingos gradually grew into the contest.
The Nigerian girls doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Oluebubue Umejiaku produced a fine finish in the 47th minute to make it 2-0.
The goal strengthened Nigeria’s grip on the final and brought the historic trophy within reach.
Japan, however, refused to surrender, intensifying their attacking efforts as the match progressed.
Their determination paid off in the 80th minute when they found the back of the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1, setting up a tense closing period.
The Japanese side pushed for an equaliser, but Nigeria held firm defensively to protect their advantage until the final whistle.
The referee brought the encounter to an end after four minutes of added time, confirming Nigeria’s historic triumph.
The victory is a major achievement for Nigerian women’s football and African football as a whole, with the Flamingos overcoming a formidable Japanese side to become world champions for the first time.
Nigeria’s triumph also represents a remarkable turnaround for a team that lost its opening match of the tournament but recovered strongly to reach the final and eventually lift the trophy.