Nigeria’s Flamingos have etched their names in football history after defeating Japan 2-1 to clinch the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, becoming the first African women’s team to win the prestigious tournament.
The Nigerian youngsters came into the final determined to make history and took control of the encounter before the break. Awawu Bashiru broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, firing Nigeria into a 1-0 lead and sending the Flamingos into half-time with the advantage.
They wasted little time extending their lead after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Umejiaku found the back of the net to make it 2-0 and put Nigeria in a commanding position.
Japan, however, refused to go down without a fight. Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, setting up a nervy final stretch as the Japanese side searched for an equaliser.
Despite the late pressure, the Flamingos remained composed and protected their lead until the final whistle.
The 2-1 victory secured Nigeria’s historic triumph and saw the Flamingos become the first African women’s team ever to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
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