Flamingos Make History With First African U-17 World Cup Title
Umejaiku Scores Decisive Goal As Nigeria Beat Japan 2-1 In Rabat Final
Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
Oluebube Umejaiku scored the decisive goal as Nigeria held off a late Japanese fightback to claim their maiden world title at the competition.
The victory also ended Africa’s long wait for a champion in the tournament, with Nigeria becoming the first team from the continent to lift the trophy since the competition began in 2008.
The Flamingos started brightly, with Awawu Bashiru and Umejaiku both going close before the latter headed against the crossbar following a dangerous delivery into the Japan penalty area.
Nigeria eventually took the lead in the 39th minute through Bashiru, whose looping effort slipped through the gloves of Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki and into the net.
Umejaiku doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes into the second half, racing on to Esther Stephen’s excellent long pass before controlling the ball with her left foot and delicately lifting it over the advancing Kadowaki.
The forward, who was later named Player of the Match, almost added another when she broke through on goal, but Kadowaki produced an excellent save with her foot.
Japan increased the pressure as the match progressed and came close to reducing the deficit when Wara Shimizu fired over after Nigeria goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho failed to deal convincingly with a clearance.
The Japanese eventually found a breakthrough with 10 minutes remaining. Substitute Anri Ito headed a corner back across goal, allowing Fuki Ito to volley home and set up a tense finish.
Nigeria, however, stood firm to preserve their advantage and secure a historic triumph for the country and the African continent.
The Flamingos’ achievement crowns an impressive campaign under coach Akeem Busari, whose side recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to win their next six matches and finish the tournament as world champions.
