Nigeria became the first African women’s team to win a FIFA title at any level
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™ was held in Rabat, Morocco and concluded with Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Japan
Mr Infantino called Nigeria’s win “well deserved” and all congratulated Japan, bronze medalist DPR Korea and the hosts
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has offered his enthusiastic congratulations to Nigeria for a “well deserved” FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ title that made history for both a country and a continent.
Nigeria held off Japan, 2-1, in a gripping decider to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™, the tournament’s 10th edition. When the whistle sounded at the pristine Mohammed VI Football Academy complex in Rabat, Morocco, the Flamingos celebrated more than their own hard-earned crown. They had become the first African women’s side to win a FIFA world title at any level.
“Congratulations to Nigeria, world champion U-17 Women’s World Cup of FIFA here in Rabat. First African team to ever win a (FIFA) Women’s U-17 World Cup — so many congratulations to Nigeria. Well deserved in the final,” said the FIFA President moments after the winners lifted the trophy.
Nigeria bounced back from a tournament-opening loss to Poland and reeled off six straight wins, including a group-stage defeat of holders DPR Korea that sparked the streak.
In the 7 November final, the Flamingos got goals on either side of half-time from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku. The eventual match-winner, a deft right-footed poke in the 47th minute, was Umejiaku’s fourth of the competition and helped seal the Golden Ball award. Japan replied in the 80th, but Nigeria tightened up in the final moments to seal their unprecedented triumph.
Japan was contesting its fourth FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, having won its only championship in 2014. Earlier Saturday, DPR Korea rebounded from its semi-final setback to Japan and claimed the bronze medal with a 6-0 victory over Brazil.
“Congratulations to Japan as well – great tournament, silver medal. And DPR Korea, bronze medalists at this beautiful (FIFA) Women’s U-17 World Cup,” Mr Infantino added.
The Nigeria v Japan showpiece marked the first time that a national team from Africa faced a national team from Asia in any FIFA tournament final, further highlighting the accelerating growth of the women’s game across the globe. This edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was the second with 24 participants, and the knockout stage featured multiple teams from five different continental confederations, and at least three from Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.
Host Morocco was one of them, reaching the round of 16 for the second consecutive year. Morocco is hosting the tournament on an annual basis through 2029.
“Congratulations, mabrouk, as well to Morocco — beautiful, fantastic, wonderful hosts in these facilities here in Rabat. That’s where we are, at home. Thank you very much,” the FIFA President concluded. “Stay tuned because more to come but for now, celebrations for Nigeria. Enjoy!”