World Cup Final And Third Place Results As Nigeria Make History Against Japan

According to a report by ESPN on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria’s Flamingos have defeated Japan 2-1 in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to become champions of the competition for the first time in their history. The victory represents a major achievement for Nigerian football and makes the country the first African nation to win the tournament. Elsewhere, Korea DPR secured third position after recording a convincing 6-0 victory over Brazil.

The championship encounter between Nigeria and Japan took place in Rabat, Morocco, where both countries battled for the prestigious trophy. Japan entered the final with hopes of becoming champions, but the Flamingos displayed determination, discipline and attacking quality to overcome the Asian opponents.

Nigeria started the encounter positively and continued searching for an opportunity to take the lead. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 39th minute when Awawu Bashiru produced an outstanding strike to put the African side ahead.

The Nigerian youngster unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, leaving Japan’s goalkeeper, Kou Kadowaki, unable to prevent the ball from entering the net. Bashiru’s contribution gave the Flamingos a 1-0 advantage and placed them in a favourable position before half-time.

Following the resumption, Nigeria demonstrated that they were not prepared to surrender their advantage. The Flamingos continued applying pressure and doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half.

Oluebube Umejiaku was the player responsible for the important breakthrough, scoring in the 47th minute to give Nigeria a 2-0 advantage. Her goal provided the team with additional confidence as they moved closer to securing the championship.

Despite conceding twice, Japan continued fighting and attempted to change the direction of the contest. Their determination eventually resulted in a goal in the 80th minute, with Fuki Ito reducing Nigeria’s advantage to 2-1.

The goal gave Japan renewed hope of rescuing the final, particularly as the match entered its closing stages. However, the Nigerian players demonstrated impressive defensive organisation and refused to allow their opponents to complete a comeback.

The Flamingos successfully protected their lead until the final whistle, confirming their historic championship success. Their achievement was particularly significant because no African country had previously won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

In the battle for third place, Korea DPR produced one of the most convincing performances of the tournament by defeating Brazil 6-0.

Kim Won-sim opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Ri Ui-gyong increased the advantage ahead of the interval. Korea DPR continued their dominance in the second half as Ri Ye-rim scored another goal.

Ri Ui-gyong subsequently registered her second goal of the encounter, while Yu Jong-hyang and Ri Kyong-im added further strikes to complete the 6-0 victory.

The result confirmed Korea DPR’s third-place finish, leaving Brazil in fourth position. Japan eventually collected the silver medal after losing the final, while Nigeria celebrated the gold medal.

The Flamingos’ journey to becoming champions also deserves recognition. Despite beginning their campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Poland, the Nigerian youngsters recovered impressively and continued winning their subsequent matches against Puerto Rico, Korea DPR, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil before overcoming Japan.

Their outstanding response to the opening setback demonstrated the character and determination within the squad.

Ultimately, Nigeria’s victory represents a historic achievement that will remain memorable for years. The Flamingos have brought the U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy to Nigeria for the first time, while giving Africa a new reason to celebrate on the international football stage.

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