Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by defeating Japan 2-1 to win their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, becoming the first African nation to lift the trophy.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute, converting Mary Dunstan’s assist to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead at half-time.
The Flamingos doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku brilliantly controlled Esther Stephen’s long pass before lifting the ball over Japan’s goalkeeper, Kou Kadowaki, in the 47th minute.
Japan reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who converted Anri Ito’s pass to make it 2-1, setting up a tense finish as the Japanese pushed for an equaliser.
However, Nigeria held on to secure the historic victory and crown an impressive campaign.
The triumph was particularly remarkable considering the Flamingos began their tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Poland but bounced back strongly, winning five consecutive matches to emerge champions.
Leave a comment