The historic achievement comes 41 years after Nigeria’s male U-17 side, the Golden Eaglets, won their first youth world championship in Beijing, China.
Despite a difficult start to the tournament, which saw them suffer a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland, the Flamingoes showed remarkable resilience to overcome Japan, a former champion, and lift the coveted trophy.
Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute when Mary Dunstan delivered a long pass to Awawu Bashiru, who calmly finished to put the West Africans ahead.
The Flamingoes extended their advantage just two minutes into the second half. In the 47th minute, Esther Stephen sent a long ball forward to Oluebube Umejiaku, who brilliantly chipped the advancing Japanese goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Japan responded with renewed determination and piled on the pressure as the match approached its conclusion. Their efforts paid off in the 80th minute when sisters Anri and Fuki Ito combined, with Fuki converting Anri’s pass to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
However, Nigeria held firm in the closing stages, defending their advantage to secure a landmark victory and claim the world title.
The Flamingoes’ journey to the final was equally impressive. After recovering from their opening loss to Poland, they recorded a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico and stunned defending champions North Korea 3-1 in the group stage.
They continued their impressive run with a 2-1 win over Mexico in the Round of 16, a narrow 1-0 victory against Venezuela in the quarterfinals, and a convincing 3-1 triumph over Brazil in the semifinals.
Japan, meanwhile, reached their tenth tournament appearance with an impressive campaign. The former champions, who won the competition in 2014 and have finished as runners-up twice, advanced to the final after overcoming Zambia, France, Venezuela, Kenya and Ghana, before defeating North Korea in a penalty shootout.
In the end, it was Nigeria who emerged victorious, delivering a historic triumph that marks a major milestone for African women’s football and adds another glorious chapter to the country’s football legacy.
